Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had directed the BMC to submit a deadline on its ambitious project of upgradation of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) in Mumbai. They have also asked what temporary solution has the civic body implemented.

However, BMC has maintained that the measures have already been taken off and the work on seven STPs is expected to be completed as per deadline in 2027 to 2028.

The ambitious project to upgrade seven STPs, which had been stalled for the last two decades, was awarded in May 2022 for a cost of Rs 25,963 crore. But the delay in the work due to various reasons and a 6% rise in Goods and Services Tax (GST) had increased the cost of the project to Rs 27,309.83 crores. The STPs will have the capacity to treat 2,464 million litres of sewage per day.

Currently, sewage collected at Worli, Bandra, Dharavi, Versova, Malad, Ghatkopar and Bhandup is treated at primary level before being released into creeks, rivers and the Arabian sea. Under the new STPs the sewage will be treated at secondary and tertiary levels by following stricter norms of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and reducing pollution.

However, the project has faced several years of delays, causing frustration within the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Siddhesh Kadam, Chairman of MPCB, said, "We have directed the civic body to submit a clear deadline for the project, as it has been delayed for several years. We have also instructed them to implement temporary measures to treat sewage water in order to reduce water pollution. If the civic body fails to complete the work within the specified time, we will take further action."

Meanwhile, a senior civic official stated, "Though the work has been delayed, we are following the revised timeline, and the project will be completed within the set deadline. The three STPs at Bhandup, Ghatkopar, and Versova will be completed by July 2026, while the ones at Worli, Bandra, and Dharavi are expected to finish by 2027. The work at the Malad STP has only recently started, so it will be completed by 2028. We are also planning to sell the treated water at the tertiary level to other agencies for non-potable uses. We are currently in discussions with BEST, Mumbai Port Trust, and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation for this purpose."

STP.....MLD per day... cost (Rs in crores)....Expected date of commissioning

Worli - 500 ....5,995.18....July 2027

Bandra - 360 ....4,429.31.....July 2027

Malad - 454 ...6,600.34....July 2028

Ghatkopar - 337 ...2,636.82...July 2026

Dharavi - 418 ...4,776.56...July 2027

Versova - 180 ....1,658.51...July 2026

Bhandup - 215....1213.11...August 2026