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Mumbai's proposed desalination plant at Manori has received conditional Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the state authority and is now awaiting final approval from the central environment ministry. Planned by the BMC, the project will convert seawater into drinking water with an initial capacity of 200 MLD, expandable to 400 MLD. Estimated at around INR 11,166 crore, the project includes tunnels and distribution systems. While key approvals are in place, environmental safeguards and concerns raised by local fishing communities remain important before construction begins.
The proposed desalination plant at Manori has progressed after receiving conditional Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority. The proposal has now been sent to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for final environmental approval. Advertisement
The project is being developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to reduce the city's dependence on monsoon-based water sources. It is designed to convert seawater into potable water using reverse osmosis technology. In its first phase, the plant is expected to produce 200 million litres per day, with a provision to expand capacity to 400 million litres per day in the future.
The total project cost is estimated at around INR 11,166 crore, which includes construction, operations, maintenance, and power expenses over a 20-year period. Out of this, the core construction cost is pegged at approximately INR 4,077 crore. The contract for the project had been awarded earlier to GVPR Engineers Limited, and initial steps such as drone surveys and partial land handover have already been completed.
The plant will be developed on around 12 hectares of land in Manori. It will also include an underground tunnel network to transport treated water to Charkop, from where it will be integrated into the city's distribution system, including supply towards Kandivali and nearby areas. This supporting infrastructure is a key part of the project to ensure efficient movement of desalinated water into Mumbai's existing supply network.
The proposal had earlier received approvals through an offline process, but due to regulatory changes requiring online submissions, it had to be resubmitted. After review, the coastal authority recommended the project to the central ministry with several conditions attached.
These conditions require strict adherence to CRZ norms during construction and operations. Authorities have asked the civic body to ensure that tidal flow is not affected and that marine ecology remains protected. It has also been stated that the livelihood of local fishing communities should not be impacted. Any activity within mangrove buffer zones will need prior approval from the court, and disposal of construction debris in coastal areas has been restricted.
The desalination project was first proposed a few years ago as Mumbai's water demand continued to rise due to population growth and urban expansion. The city currently depends heavily on lakes located outside its limits, making supply vulnerable to rainfall patterns. The project has seen delays in the past due to tendering issues, rising costs, and procedural changes.
Local fishing communities from the Gorai-Manori belt had earlier raised concerns regarding the potential impact on marine life and fishing activities. They indicated that proper environmental safeguards and communication would be necessary before the project moves forward.
At present, the project is under consideration for final clearance at the central level. Once approval is granted, the civic body is expected to move ahead with construction, subject to compliance with all environmental and regulatory conditions.
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