BMC Approves ₹2,241-Crore Tunnel Project For Manori Desalination Plant

Mumbai's first seawater desalination project has crossed a significant hurdle after the BMC Standing Committee approved a proposal to lay a 7.2-km underground tunnel linking the Manori desalination plant to the city's water distribution network. The approval came on Thursday, despite corporators raising objections over water quality, technical feasibility, and the tendering process.

The BMC has proposed a Rs 2,241.3-crore contract for M/s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd to design, construct, operate, and maintain the underground tunnel and related infrastructure. The project is scheduled to begin in August and is expected to be completed in 45 months, with commissioning by December 2029.

The 7.2-km tunnel will connect the desalination plant with Mumbai's water network, running from Manori to Charkop and Mahavir Nagar in Kandivali beneath parts of Gorai Creek. The tunnel will initially carry 200 million litres per day (MLD) of desalinated water and will be capable of handling 400 MLD after future augmentation.

Civic officials made a detailed presentation on the proposed underground tunnel project at the Standing Committee meeting, addressing concerns and clarifying that the Charkop shaft is not designed for water withdrawal but will function solely as a transmission link between the desalination plant and the city's distribution network.

Corporators from various parties raised key concerns during the meeting, including Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Yashodhar Phanse, who asked whether desalinated water would be comparable to the treated water supplied from the Bhandup Water Treatment Complex. Congress leader Ashraf Azmi questioned the tendering approach and raised objections over the 16 per cent contingency fund provision in the project estimate.

Congress corporator Tulip Miranda flagged concerns over mixing desalinated water with lake water supplied by Bhandup, citing citizen apprehensions about mineral content and chlorine levels. She sought details of safeguards planned by the civic body to prevent any impact on public health.

Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), defended the project design, stating that desalinated water would meet the same quality standards as treated water supplied from the Bhandup Water Treatment Complex.

The project is expected to boost Mumbai's water supply, with the desalination plant capable of producing 200 MLD of water. The BMC has assured that the project will be completed on time and will provide a reliable source of water for the city's residents.

The approval of the tunnel project is a significant step forward for the Manori desalination plant, which has been in the works for several years. The project is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Mumbai's water supply, which has been under strain in recent years.

In the coming months, the BMC will begin construction on the tunnel, with two tunnel boring machines to be deployed simultaneously to fast-track the project. The civic body has assured that the project will be completed on time and will provide a reliable source of water for the city's residents.

The Manori desalination plant is a crucial project for Mumbai, which has been facing water scarcity issues in recent years. The plant is expected to provide a significant boost to the city's water supply, and the approval of the tunnel project is a major step forward in making this a reality.

The project is expected to have a significant impact on the city's water supply, with the desalination plant capable of producing 200 MLD of water. The BMC has assured that the project will be completed on time and will provide a reliable source of water for the city's residents.

In conclusion, the approval of the tunnel project for the Manori desalination plant is a significant step forward for Mumbai's water supply. The project is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the city's water supply, and the BMC has assured that it will be completed on time and will provide a reliable source of water for the city's residents.