The BMC is shifting its focus to upgrading the Colaba Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Mumbai after its previous attempt to build a desalination plant failed to attract bidders. Currently, the treated water from this STP is used for non-potable purposes such as gardening, road cleaning, and vehicle washing.
However, BMC plans to enhance the plant's capacity to 15 million liters per day (MLD) and convert it into an advanced tertiary plant. This upgrade will enable the plant to treat sewage water, making it safe for drinking.
Every year, the city's reliance on its seven lakes for drinking water causes concern during the monsoon. To improve the water supply, the BMC revived its plan for a desalination plant with a capacity of 200 MLD, which could later be expanded to 400 MLD, to be located in Manori, Malad.
However, after failing to attract bidders despite extending the deadline multiple times over the past year, the BMC has scrapped the tender process and rolled back the proposal. Instead of inviting a fresh tender, the civic body has now shifted its focus to upgrading its sewage treatment plants (STPs).
The Colaba STP treats 37 MLD of sewage and releases the treated water into the sea via a 1.5 km pipeline for non-potable uses. Currently recycling 15 MLD of sewage, the plant functions as a tertiary treatment facility.
The BMC plans to upgrade it to an advanced plant to make the recycled water suitable for potable use. "After the Colaba plant is upgraded, a distribution network will be established to deliver treated water for potable use.
Before it becomes operational, the civic body will invite suggestions and objections from the public to ensure community involvement and transparency.
The tender for this pilot project will be invited in January 2025. Additionally, the BMC plans to replicate this advanced model at the other operational STPs in Banganga, Chembur, and Charkop, further expanding the city's efforts to provide potable recycled water across Mumbai," said a civic official.
The city's water demand is 4,463 MLD, resulting in a shortfall of nearly 500 MLD. Around 34%, or 1,343 million litres, of the daily supply is lost due to theft, leakages, and pilferage.
