Work on sewage water plant in Colaba may start in 3 months

The civic body has issued tender notices for the city's first sewage recycling project, which is estimated to cost Rs72 crore. Work may begin in the next three months.

The civic body has issued tender notices for the city's first sewage recycling project, which is estimated to cost Rs72 crore. Work may begin in the next three months.

HT Image

The plant, to be built in Colaba, is part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's ambitious plan for the treatment of 34 million litres of sewage water a day.

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 water can be used for all activities other than drinking, such as in gardens, for washing cars, washing, etc.

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. We have issued tender notices for the project," 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 Rs5,000 crore. The BMC will issue individual tenders for each project, after a detailed technical study of each project. The technical reports for the plants at Ghatkopar and Bhandup, are expected soon.

Civic officials are sceptical about the project cost.

"The BMC will also have to spend money on the construction of pipelines to transport the recycled water, which will increase the per litre cost of the recycled water," an official said, on condition of anonymity.