Mumbai: BMC Unveils Game-Changing Desalination Project: Mumbai’s Answer to Water Scarcity

Mumbai, 5th December 2023: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up to address the surging water demand in Mumbai with an ambitious desalination project. Tenders have been issued for the project, which aims to convert seawater into freshwater, providing a potential solution to the city’s perennial water scarcity issues. The desalination plant is slated to be established on a sprawling 12-hectare site at Manori under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

The primary objective of this initiative is to generate 200 million litres (20 crore litres) of fresh water daily, offering a significant boost to the city’s water supply. Mumbai currently relies on the supply of 3,800 million litres of water each day from seven dams. However, erratic rainfall patterns often result in water shortages, compelling authorities to explore alternative sources to meet the growing demand driven by Mumbai’s expanding population.

The genesis of the desalination project dates back to February 2021 when the BMC, under the leadership of Shiv Sena, approved the proposal to establish the plant at Manori. After political changes in Maharashtra, questions arose about the project’s fate. In January 2022, a consultant was appointed with a contract valued at 150 crores to prepare a detailed project report and draft tenders. After overcoming a period of uncertainty, the BMC has now initiated the tendering process, signalling a commitment to advancing the project.

The desalination plant’s current capacity stands at an impressive 400 million litres of water per day, doubling its initial projection. The estimated cost of this monumental project is approximately three and a half thousand crore rupees, encompassing capital expenditure of Rs. 1,600 crore and operational and maintenance expenditure of Rs. 1,920 crore. The timeline set by BMC aims to complete the project within the next four years.

This initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring a sustainable water supply for Mumbai, mitigating the impact of unpredictable weather patterns and population growth on the city’s water resources. As the tendering process unfolds, the BMC is laying the groundwork for a transformative project that holds the promise of addressing Mumbai’s water woes for years to come.