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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a significant step towards revitalising the Mithi River, floating a ₹2,400 crore Design Build Operate Tender (DBOT) for the third phase of its Mithi River Development and Pollution Control Project. This ambitious effort is aimed at tackling pollution, improving infrastructure, and reclaiming the river as a sustainable urban waterway.
The Scope of the Project
Package-III of the project focuses on the river stretch from CST Bridge to Mahim Causeway, including the Vakola River, a key tributary. Under this phase, the BMC plans to:
- Construct retaining walls to prevent encroachments and soil erosion.
- Build service roads along the riverbanks for maintenance and public access.
- Install interceptors to divert sewage and industrial waste away from the river.
- Establish pumping stations to manage excess water flow.
- Develop beautification projects, including promenades, to make the riverbanks accessible and aesthetically pleasing.
Why the Mithi River Matters
Flowing for 18 km through Mumbai, the Mithi River is a natural stormwater drain that plays a critical role in the city’s flood management. However, rapid urbanisation, unchecked pollution, and encroachments have turned it into a toxic waterway. Heavy rains often trigger flooding due to blockages and illegal waste dumping, leading to severe waterlogging in surrounding areas.
Ongoing and Future Plans
The Mithi River Development Project is divided into multiple packages, each targeting different issues:
- Package-I (Completed): Included a sewer network, a sewage treatment plant (STP), and pumping stations from Filter Pada to Powai.
- Package-II (Ongoing): Involves an 8 km sewer line, service roads, and 102 interceptors to divert waste from WSSD garage to CST Bridge.
- Package-IV (Upcoming): Will include a tunnel system to redirect intercepted waste to Dharavi’s proposed wastewater treatment facility.
A Step Towards a Cleaner Mumbai
With an estimated 285 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage flowing into the Mithi River, this project is expected to drastically reduce pollution levels and restore the river’s ecological balance. The BMC, in collaboration with urban planners and environmental experts, aims to transform the Mithi River into a cleaner, more sustainable water body, benefitting both Mumbai’s residents and its fragile coastal ecosystem.
As tenders are finalised and construction begins, the success of this project will be crucial for Mumbai’s flood management and long-term urban planning.
