River Rebirth: Goyal Flags Off Dahisar’s Smart Sewage Revolution

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal recently inaugurated Phase 1 of the Dahisar River Rejuvenation and Beautification Project in Mumbai, describing the sewage treatment model developed along the river as a potential example for similar initiatives across the country.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony in Dahisar, Goyal said river conservation efforts cannot succeed through the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) alone and emphasised the need for active public participation. He urged citizens to stop dumping waste into the river, stating that community involvement would be critical to the success of the clean-up drive.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Centre’s broader mission to rejuvenate 350 rivers nationwide and said the Dahisar riverfront could eventually emerge as a tourism and recreational destination. Goyal also called for measures such as desilting, deepening of the river channel and restoration of natural water springs along the river stretch.

According to civic officials, Phase 1 of the project includes two fully automated sewage treatment plants based on membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology — a 1.5 MLD facility at Sukurwadi in Borivli East and a 5 MLD plant at Indiranagar in Dahisar West. Treated water from the plants will be reused for non-potable purposes including road cleaning, gardening, construction work and vehicle washing.

Officials said the project covers a 4.75-km stretch of the Dahisar river and includes the laying of 4.4 km of sewer lines, installation of interceptors to divert sewage flow and construction of service roads along the riverbanks. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the discharge of untreated sewage into the river and improve environmental conditions in nearby areas.

Goyal also said the project would help mitigate monsoon flooding and urged local representatives to ensure regular garbage collection and waste management through civic systems.

Deputy mayor Sanjay Ghadi appealed to residents not to litter the river and called for strict action against repeat offenders. Local MLA Manisha Chaudhary said rehabilitation measures for project-affected persons would be expedited, adding that 1,244 affected families would receive housing under the initiative.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.