New sewage treatment units to save potable water in Mumbai

The seven sewage treatment plants (STPs) being built across the city will turn grey into gold. The civic administration says the plants, at various stages of construction, will save millions of litres of potable water a day.

- Linah Baliga

The grey water produced from sewage treatment will be used in tertiary activities, such as deep cleaning of roads and watering public gardens, thus saving potable water, which currently meets these needs. According to Rajesh Tamhane, deputy municipal commissioner (environment), the total savings would be 1,200 MLD of potable water a day from all seven plants.

Improving the quality of sewage discharged into the Arabian Sea will also enhance the health of the marine ecosystem, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The seven STPs are being constructed in Worli, Bandra, Dhar-avi, Versova, Malad, Bhandup and Ghatkopar, at a cost of 217,000 crore. They have a combined treatment capacity of 2,464 MLD.

Of the seven new STPs, the plants in Worli, Bandra and Dharavi are expected to be completed by July 2026.