Mumbai: BMC Launches Third Phase of Mithi River Rejuvenation with Rs 2300 Crore Investment

Mumbai, 18th February 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched tenders for the third phase of the Mithi River rejuvenation project, aimed at preventing untreated sewage from flowing into the river and reducing flooding. The BMC is investing Rs 2300 crore in this phase, which includes diverting sewage, constructing a walkway along the river, and developing floodgates between the CST Bridge in Kurla and Mahim Creek. On February 13, Mid-Day reported that 21% of Mumbaikars are not connected to the city’s sewage system.

The BMC’s efforts to rejuvenate the Mithi River began two years ago, with tenders for phase three issued one and a half years ago. However, no contractors responded at the time, and encroachments proved to be a significant obstacle. Since then, civic authorities have cleared 2,000 huts. The current tender includes constructing protective walls stretching 6.7 km, deepening a 300-meter stretch of the river, building a 6.42-km service road, and developing an 8.85-km promenade. “We have proposed a sewage treatment plant at Machimar Nagar in Mahim. Sewage from 26 outfalls will be diverted to this facility via a tunnel, helping reduce the river’s pollution,” explained an official from the BMC’s Stormwater Drains Department.

Additionally, there are plans to install mini-pumping stations and floodgates at various locations. The floodgates will prevent rainwater from entering the river during high tide, which otherwise reduces the flow capacity of stormwater drains. “We will pump rainwater out of these drains during high tide and heavy rainfall,” the official noted. “By preventing untreated sewage from entering the river, we aim to enhance water quality and ultimately create a riverfront that could serve as a tourist attraction.”