Work on Mumbai’s first sewage recycling project at an estimated cost of र 72 crore is likely to begin in Colaba soon. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued tender notices as a part of its ambitious plan for the treatment of 34 million litres of sewage water a day.
As per the plan, the BMC proposes to sell the recycled water, which can be used for non-potable activities, at commercial rates. The project is expected to benefit residents of south Mumbai, where many areas face water problems. The project is also expected to reduce the pollution of the sea around Mumbai. “This is the first of the seven such plants that will be set up in the city,” said Rahul Shewale, chairman of the civic standing committee.
Apart from Colaba, sewage recycling plants will be set up in Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Worli, Dharavi, Versova and Malad. The biggest plant will be the one at Malad, which will recycle 400 million litres of sewage water every day. In all, the seven plants together are estimated to cost around र 5,000 crore. The BMC will issue individual tenders for each project, after a detailed technical study of each project.