Gagrani made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to Bhandup Complex water tunnel project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at transporting tertiary-treated sewage for non-potable use
Pic/BMC
Sewage treatment is critical to safeguarding urban cleanliness, public health and long-term water sustainability, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said on Friday, underscoring the civic body’s push to curb water pollution and promote reuse of treated wastewater.
Bhandup STP–Bhandup Complex tunnel to supply tertiary-treated water
Gagrani made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to Bhandup Complex water tunnel project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at transporting tertiary-treated sewage for non-potable use. The project is part of a broader strategy by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to strengthen climate-resilient water sources and bridge the widening gap between water demand and supply in Mumbai.
Untreated sewage increases pollution and risk of water-borne diseases
Highlighting the environmental and public health implications of untreated wastewater, Gagrani said untreated sewage significantly increases water pollution and poses serious risks of water-borne diseases. “Through sewage treatment plants, harmful substances and disease-causing pathogens in wastewater are effectively removed, allowing the treated water to be safely reused. This reduces pressure on natural water sources, improves urban sanitation and enhances the overall quality of life for citizens,” he said.
Tunnel construction progresses using two TBMs at key locations
The commissioner reviewed the progress of the underground water tunnel being constructed to convey tertiary-treated water from the Ghatkopar Sewage Treatment Plant to the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant and onward to the Bhandup Complex. Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malwade, Chief Engineer (Water Supply Projects) Mahendra Ubale, and other senior engineers and officials were present during the site visit.
According to officials, the alignment for the tunnel between the Bhandup Complex and the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant has been successfully established using the first tunnel boring machine (TBM). This stretch measures 4,365 metres. At the Bhandup Complex, construction of a 175-metre-deep launching shaft is underway, with excavation completed up to 45 metres. Once tunnel excavation is completed, a 104-metre-deep retrieval shaft is planned at the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant for the removal of the TBM.
Work is also progressing on the tunnel section between the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant and the Ghatkopar Sewage Treatment Plant. Using a second TBM, the alignment for this 7,245-metre-long stretch has been finalised. At the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant, excavation has begun for a 155-metre-deep launching shaft, with 7.7 metres completed so far.
Tertiary treatment planned for nearly 50 per cent of Mumbai’s sewage
Overall, the project involves a combined tunnel length of 11,610 metres, to be excavated using TBMs. Civic officials said the work is progressing in a phased and planned manner after finalising alignments between the Bhandup Complex, Bhandup STP and Ghatkopar STP.
Gagrani noted that the BMC has undertaken multiple sewage treatment projects across the city to ensure modern treatment of wastewater generated within municipal limits. Under these initiatives, tertiary treatment is proposed for nearly 50 per cent of Mumbai’s sewage. As part of this plan, an underground tunnel with a capacity of 970 million litres per day is proposed to convey about 500 million litres per day of tertiary-treated water from Dharavi to Ghatkopar and further to the Bhandup Complex. Preliminary works for this tunnel are currently underway.
Reiterating the importance of sewage treatment amid rapid urbanisation and population growth, Gagrani said the removal of solid waste, harmful chemical components and pathogens from wastewater is essential for sustainable urban development. “Sewage treatment is no longer optional—it is a fundamental component of modern urban infrastructure,” he added.
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