The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to invite new bids for the third phase of the Mithi River Rejuvenation Project. The project aims to widen the river, improve water quality, curb pollution, build a sewer network, desilting access roads, beautify riverbanks, and construct sewage treatment plants.
The third phase, estimated to cost INR 2,156 crore, includes the construction of a 7.6 km sewer line, 7.4 km retaining wall, 6.4 km service roads, 28 interceptors, 26 gate pumps, three small sewage pumping stations, and an 8.85 km promenade along with beautification of the river. The project will also include landscaping and plantation.
The first phase is aimed to stop the river’s pollution. As part of this phase, a 1.5 km-long sewage line parallel to Mithi at Andheri east, an 800 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant (STP) near L&T n Powai, and a pumping station is being constructed. BMC also aimed to improve water quality in a 2 km stretch at Filterpada, Powai, by intercepting trash from residential areas before it enters the river.
The ongoing second phase, costing INR 570 crore, includes construction of a retaining wall and service road and the laying a sewer line from the WSP compound, Powai, to CST road in Kurla. The fourth phase of the project, estimated to cost INR 455 crore, includes construction of a tunnel from Bapat Nalla to Safed Pool Nalla to the Dharavi Waste Water Treatment Facility.
The revised tender for the third phase, worth nearly INR 2,100 crore, will incorporate feedback and suggestions from prospective bidders. The promenade work, a crucial component of the third phase, requires shifting people living in settlements on both sides of the river. Prospective bidders suggested a separate funding plan to rehabilitate the project-affected people.
Mithi river originates at Powai and flows through densely populated residential areas and industrial spots, including Jarimari, Bail Bazar, Old Airport Road, Kalina (CST Road), Vakola, Bandra-Kurla complex, Dharavi, and meets the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek. The river serves the dual purpose of carrying sewage and stormwater to the sea.
BMC and MMRDA have spent INR 1,150 crore on the project so far. The location of the Mithi river is an important administrative boundary that divides the city and the suburbs. Flooding in the river has direct or indirect implications for disrupting traffic on five transport corridors: Central Railway Main Line, Central Railway Harbour Line, Western Railway Line, Western Express Highway, and Eastern Express Highway. BMC has made provisions of INR 654.44 crore for work on phases two and three of Mithi River Rejuvenation Project during 2023-24.
