2 minutes of readingBombayJanuary 31, 2026 20:18 IST
As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carries out preliminary work on the 11 km water tunnel linking Ghatkopar sewage treatment plant and Bhandup sewage treatment plant to Bhandup water complex, commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Saturday inspected the project work site at the complex. During his review, the BMC commissioner called for the need to treat wastewater to prevent pollution and ensure sanitation.
Amid growing demand for water and the need to curb pollution, the city has undertaken projects to build seven wastewater treatment plants across the city. A key component of the project is a water tunnel that will transport tertiary treated wastewater from the Ghatkopar sewage conveyance plant to the Bhandup sewage treatment plant to the Bhandup water complex for further treatment and use for non-potable services.
The total length of the tunnel extends for 11,610 meters (11.61 km), of which the first tunnel between Bhandup sewage treatment plant and Bhandup complex spans 4,365 meters (4.3 km), while a second tunnel extends for 7,245 meters (7.2 km) between Bhandup sewage treatment plant and Ghatkopar sewage treatment plant. The two tunnels will be excavated with tunnel boring machines.
To pave the way for the tunnels, the civic body has started preliminary work at the Bhandup workplace. According to BMC officials, a 175 meter deep launch well is being constructed at the Bhandup treatment complex, of which up to 45 meters have been excavated so far. Meanwhile, the civic body has also started work on another launch well near the Bhandup sewage treatment facility, of which 7.7 meters deep have been dug.
In a bid to review the ongoing works, Gagrani visited the site of the upcoming Bhandup sewage treatment plant, where the well launch work is being carried out.
“Wastewater treatment is crucial for environmental protection, public health safety and sustainable water management. Untreated wastewater increases the risk of waterborne diseases. Wastewater treatment plants are crucial for removing hazardous and pathogenic elements from wastewater, making treated water available for reuse. The project aims to maintain urban sanitation by reducing pressure on water sources and improving the quality of life of citizens,” Gagrani said.