The Manori Milestone: Desalination Plant Moves Forward

The proposed desalination plant at Manori in Mumbai has moved a step closer to implementation after the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority recommended it for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, subject to certain conditions.

The decision, taken at a meeting on March 25, forwards the project to the Union environment ministry for final approval. Planned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the facility will have a total capacity of 400 million litres per day (MLD), with 200 MLD to be developed in Phase I. The project is viewed as a key long-term solution to address Mumbai’s growing population and rising water demand.

The site spans multiple CRZ categories—CRZ-I(B), CRZ-III, and CRZ-IV—with a portion located within a mangrove buffer zone. The plant will adopt a two-stage desalination process, combining seawater reverse osmosis and brackish water reverse osmosis, supported by energy recovery systems.

Authorities have imposed several safeguards, including protection of mangroves, prevention of tidal flow disruption, responsible management of brine discharge, and ensuring that fishing activities are not adversely affected. Construction debris will also need to be handled scientifically outside CRZ areas.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.