Mumbai Strengthens Water Supply with New Projects
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled an ambitious water supply infrastructure plan in its FY 2025-26 budget, marking a significant step towards addressing the city’s escalating water crisis. With Mumbai currently delivering 3,950 million litres (ML) of water daily against a demand of 4,463 ML, compounded by a staggering 34% daily water loss despite ample dam stocks, the civic body is set to implement several critical initiatives.
A long-delayed desalination project, once stalled due to a lack of bids in the previous tendering process, has now been revived with a fresh tender invitation and a provision of Rs 100 crore allocated for the new financial year. The proposed desalination plant, strategically located on a 12-hectare site in Manori village along the western suburban coast, is initially designed to produce 200 ML per day, with the potential to expand its capacity to 400 ML per day. Estimated to cost around Rs 2,649 crore, the project is slated to become operational within four years, significantly bolstering the city’s water supply portfolio. In addition to the desalination initiative, the BMC has dedicated a substantial Rs 4,000 crore for its Water Supply Project (WSP) department, with Rs 2,270 crore earmarked specifically for constructing water conveyance tunnels.
This robust allocation is part of a broader strategy to streamline the city’s water distribution network and reduce systemic losses. Furthermore, the revived Gargai Dam project, which was earlier scrapped during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in 2019, has also been brought back into focus. Despite facing delays owing to environmental concerns—chiefly the felling of approximately 4.5 lakh trees—the project now appears poised for progress, with preliminary engineering works completed and most technical clearances obtained. Final approvals from the Forest Department and the Wildlife Board remain the last hurdle before tenders can be invited. By prioritising these water infrastructure projects, the BMC is taking decisive action to bridge the gap between supply and demand, ensuring sustainable water management for Mumbai’s growing populace. This forward-thinking approach underscores the civic body’s commitment to resolving the city’s water challenges through strategic planning and significant fiscal investment.
