MUMBAI: BMC has set a March 2027 deadline for completing the 337 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Ghatkopar and directed officials to deploy additional manpower and speed up construction to meet the target.During a site inspection on Saturday, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar instructed officials to make optimum use of the current break in the monsoon to accelerate work and undertake multiple activities simultaneously. “Micro-planning is essential to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated time. If executed in a planned manner, it may even be possible to complete the project ahead of schedule,” he said.The Ghatkopar STP, being developed under the Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project, will have the capacity to treat 337 million litres of sewage a day (MLD) using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology. Of the total sewage treated, 170 MLD will undergo tertiary treatment before being discharged, significantly improving the quality of wastewater entering the sea.Bangar also reviewed the adjoining Ghatkopar pumping station upgrade, where civil and electrical works have achieved 85% physical progress. The project includes repairs to the pumping station building, replacement of mechanical equipment, laying of rising mains and installation of higher-capacity pumps. Officials have been directed to complete the pumping station by December 2026.The civic administration said the new STP is expected to improve coastal water quality and marine biodiversity while benefiting residents of Ghatkopar, Govandi, Mankhurd and Chembur.The project, however, poses significant engineering challenges as the existing sewage treatment plant must remain operational while the new facility is constructed. Before the new plant is commissioned, sludge accumulated in the existing treatment ponds has to be removed, treated and scientifically disposed of. The project site is also bounded by a creek, forest land and the eco-sensitive Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, requiring careful execution.The contract for the project was awarded to JVPR Engineers Ltd in May 2022, with work commencing in July that year. The project has a four-year construction period followed by 15 years of operation and maintenance. SFC Environmental Technologies Pvt Ltd is the technology provider, while Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd is the consultant.Currently, the existing Ghatkopar plant provides only primary treatment—screening and degritting—before sewage is discharged into the creek. The new facility will provide full secondary treatment to 337 MLD of sewage, with tertiary treatment for nearly half of it, helping Mumbai meet stricter environmental standards.
