Amid growing concerns over water scarcity in Mumbai and a day after tighter water restrictions were implemented, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Wednesday instructed civic officials to accelerate work on several critical infrastructure projects linked to the city’s long-term water security, sewage management, and transport connectivity.
The projects under review include the upcoming Bhandup Water Treatment Plant, the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), all of which are considered crucial for strengthening Mumbai’s urban infrastructure network.
During a site visit to the Bhandup facility, Bhide inspected progress on the water treatment plant, which is designed to process up to 2,000 million litres per day (MLD). The project has been scheduled for completion by July 2028 and is expected to play a major role in improving the city’s water supply system.
At present, Mumbai depends on seven major lakes for its water requirements. Water from these reservoirs is first transported to filtration plants, where it undergoes treatment before being distributed to households through an extensive pipeline network.
Alongside this, the civic body is also working on the 215 MLD Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant, which is expected to become operational by October 2026. This facility is part of BMC’s larger Rs 30,000 crore sewage treatment initiative, under which seven treatment plants are being developed across the city. The treated water from these plants will be reused for non-drinking purposes such as gardening and public sanitation, thereby reducing pressure on lake water sources.
Officials said this reuse model will significantly support water conservation efforts and improve sustainability in the long run.
Bhide also reviewed progress on the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road project, including the assembly of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) components for the twin tunnels that will connect Filmcity in Goregaon East to Nahur in the eastern suburbs.
During the inspection, she directed engineers and contractors to ensure adequate manpower, machinery, and resources are deployed so that work is completed within the stipulated timelines while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.
Source: The Indian Express
