Sea water to fresh water at 15 paise a litre

The first company that proposed to build a sea water desalination plant in the city said it would be able to produce potable water by spending just 15 paise per litre.

The first company that proposed to build a sea water desalination plant in the city said it would be able to produce potable water by spending just 15 paise per litre.

HT Image

On Thursday, California-based multinational company NanoHydro Private Limited — one of the 18 companies that have shown interest in the joint venture with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation — presented its proposal before Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.

Internet guru and Hotmail founder Sabeer Bhatia has promoted the company, which runs a pilot project in Gujarat.

The company’s presentation, a copy of which is available with Hindustan Times, said NanoHydro would use the Sea Water Reverse Osmosis technology. “From 1 lakh litres a day to multiple lakh litres a day of drinking water can be produced on a daily basis. The water thus produced is comparable to the mineral water marketed today under different brand names.”

BMC Additional Commissioner Anil Diggikar said NanoHydro has international repute and better experience. “The tendering process will start after presentations are over.”

Diggikar added that the corporation has shortlisted four sites — one each in Colaba, Versova, Ghatkopar and Wadala — for the project.