Bhushan Gagrani said the project would ensure the supply of higher-quality and safer drinking water to Mumbaikars, while also addressing future demand arising from population growth, industrial requirements, and rapid urbanisation
BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani reviews the progress of the Bhandup water treatment plant project on Friday. Pic/BMC
Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to expedite the construction work on the upcoming 2,000 million litres per day (MLD) ultra-modern water treatment plant (WTP) at the Bhandup complex, stating that the project will significantly strengthen the city’s water supply system once completed.
Gagrani said the project would ensure the supply of higher-quality and safer drinking water to Mumbaikars, while also addressing future demand arising from population growth, industrial requirements, and rapid urbanisation. He stressed the need to adopt modern technology during implementation to ensure an efficient, environment-friendly, and long-term sustainable water supply system.
The Mumbai civic body has set a deadline of April 2029 to complete the project. Gagrani visited the project site on Friday to review progress. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malwade, Chief Engineer (Water Supply Projects) Mahendra Ubale, along with other senior engineers and officials, were present during the inspection.
Mumbai’s water supply is primarily sourced through two major systems. Under the Tansa–Vaitarna system, water from reservoirs such as Tansa, Modak Sagar, Middle Vaitarna, and Upper Vaitarna is conveyed to the Bhandup complex through gravity-based pipelines.
The water is then treated at the old and new treatment plants at Bhandup before being supplied across the city through service reservoirs. At present, around 2,600 MLD of water is supplied every day to Mumbai.
The existing 1,910 MLD water treatment plant at Bhandup was constructed around 46 years ago and has become structurally weak, necessitating its replacement. The new 2,000 MLD plant will process water every day and is crucial for enhancing supply capacity to Mumbai’s western suburbs and island city.
Mumbai: Work underway on 7.4-hectare plant; focus on capacity boost and long-term water security
Gagrani said the new plant, spread over 7.4 hectares, will replace one of Asia’s largest existing water treatment facilities, enabling Mumbai to receive water at a higher capacity. He noted that soil testing, excavation, site barricading, relocation of power transmission towers and plantation work are currently underway, while civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation works are being carried out simultaneously. He directed officials to complete as much work as possible before the monsoon.
Emphasising the importance of clean water, Gagrani said access to safe drinking water is vital not only for public health but also for economic development and environmental sustainability.
He said that, considering Mumbai’s rapid growth and urbanisation, it is essential to strengthen water supply planning and ensure long-term sustainable management. Gagrani added that the BMC remains committed to bridging the gap between water demand and supply through innovative technology and robust infrastructure investments.
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