The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a one-year cleaning contract worth ₹1.44 crore for the Worli Koliwada seafront, a 3.5-kilometre coastal stretch that plays a dual role as both a traditional fishing hub and a public recreation space. The move follows the expiry of the previous cleaning contract and aims to sustain daily sanitation along this high-traffic coastline, which is frequently affected by marine litter and tidal waste.
The civic body has appointed a new private contractor, M/s Asian Traders Company, after completing a competitive tendering process. The contract covers daily cleaning operations costing roughly ₹38,000 per day. Officials said the renewed effort is part of the BMC’s broader initiative to enhance beach cleanliness and marine waste management across Mumbai’s coastal belts. “Beaches like Worli Koliwada experience a complex mix of fishing activity and tourism, which significantly increases the waste load. Regular cleaning ensures not only hygiene but also the well-being of coastal ecosystems,” said a senior civic official. Apart from human-generated waste, floating debris brought in by tidal action often accumulates along the Worli coast, necessitating round-the-clock maintenance.
The civic administration has in recent years faced mounting pressure to improve the condition of Mumbai’s waterfronts. With the city’s rapid urbanisation and tourism growth, maintaining coastal cleanliness has become an essential part of sustainable urban management. The BMC has gradually expanded its coastal cleaning budgets, including provisions for mechanised beach-cleaning vehicles and improved waste segregation practices. Experts say the Worli Koliwada initiative reflects a step toward integrating coastal management with the city’s broader climate resilience and environmental goals. “Clean shorelines help protect marine biodiversity and improve air and water quality. It’s a low-cost but high-impact intervention that contributes to sustainable urban living,” said an environmental planner familiar with the project.
Beyond aesthetics and tourism, clean beaches also hold significance for local fishing communities who depend on these coasts for livelihood. Regular waste removal prevents contamination and protects marine life, indirectly supporting sustainable fisheries. While the new contract ensures continued maintenance through 2025, civic officials have hinted at plans to standardise beach cleaning across Mumbai’s 19 coastal sites under a single, citywide sanitation framework.
If executed effectively, such measures could align Mumbai’s coastal management practices with global standards for sustainable waterfront cities, where urban cleanliness, ecological balance, and community welfare go hand in hand.
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