Giving a major boost to restore one of the city’s most polluted rivers through sewage treatment, river cleaning, and urban beautification initiatives, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has inaugurated Phase I of the Dahisar River Rejuvenation and Beautification Project in Mumbai.
The project aims to improve water quality, reduce untreated sewage discharge, and eventually transform parts of the Dahisar riverfront into a cleaner recreational and ecological zone.
What Phase I Includes
The first phase of the project focuses primarily on preventing untreated sewage from entering the river system.
Key components include:
- Two fully automated sewage treatment plants (STPs) using Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology
- A 1.5 MLD STP at Sukurwadi, Borivli East
- A 5 MLD STP at Indiranagar, Dahisar West
- Construction of around 4.4 km of sewer lines and interceptors
- Improvement of a 4.75-km river stretch
Officials said treated water from the plants will be reused for:
- Road cleaning
- Gardening
- Construction activity
- Vehicle washing and other non-potable uses.
Government’s Vision: From Polluted River to Urban Asset
During the inauguration, Piyush Goyal said the Dahisar River project should become a “role model” for river-cleaning efforts across India. He linked the initiative to the Centre’s broader mission of rejuvenating around 350 rivers nationwide.
He also emphasized:
- Deepening and desilting of the river channel
- Revival of natural water springs
- Regular garbage removal
- Public participation in stopping waste dumping into rivers.
Local BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary said future phases may include:
- Walkways along the riverbank
- Beautification projects
- Eco-tourism and recreational activities.
Why the Dahisar River Matters
The Dahisar River originates near the Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and flows through densely populated areas including Dahisar, Borivali, and Oshiwara before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Over decades, rapid urbanisation led to:
- Sewage discharge into the river
- Industrial and household waste dumping
- Severe water pollution and degradation.
Authorities believe the new STPs could significantly improve water quality and reduce sewage inflow into the river system.
Flood Mitigation Also a Key Goal
Apart from environmental restoration, officials say the project could help reduce monsoon flooding in nearby areas by:
- Improving water flow
- Removing silt buildup
- Upgrading drainage infrastructure.
Given Mumbai’s recurring flooding issues during heavy rains, river rejuvenation projects are increasingly being linked to climate resilience and urban flood management.
Activists Raise Questions Over Delays and Ground Reality
While the inauguration has been projected as a major milestone, some environmental activists have criticised the pace and effectiveness of implementation.
According to activists:
- Similar inaugurations were held earlier in 2016–17 and 2021–22
- Large portions of the river remain heavily polluted
- Garbage and cattle waste dumping continue in several stretches.
Activist groups argue that sustained monitoring and enforcement will be essential to ensure long-term river restoration rather than isolated infrastructure announcements.
Why River Rejuvenation Is Becoming Critical for Indian Cities
1. Rivers as Urban Infrastructure
Urban rivers are increasingly being treated not just as water bodies, but as:
- Flood-control systems
- Ecological buffers
- Public recreation spaces
2. Climate Adaptation Strategy
As extreme rainfall events become more frequent, restoring natural river channels can improve drainage and reduce flood vulnerability.
3. Circular Water Use
Reuse of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes reflects a growing push toward sustainable urban water management.
4. Balancing Beautification and Ecology
Experts caution that river rejuvenation should prioritize:
- Water quality restoration
- Biodiversity
- Natural flow systems
rather than focusing only on cosmetic beautification.
The Road Ahead
Future phases of the Dahisar River project are expected to include:
- Further sewage interception systems
- Riverbank development
- Rehabilitation of affected families
- Additional environmental restoration work.
Officials said around 1,244 project-affected families are expected to receive rehabilitation housing under the larger redevelopment plan.
Rejuvenation
The inauguration of Phase I of the Dahisar River Rejuvenation Project marks another important attempt to restore one of Mumbai’s neglected urban rivers through sewage treatment and environmental infrastructure. While authorities see it as a model for future river-cleaning initiatives, long-term success will depend on sustained implementation, citizen participation, and measurable improvement in water quality—not just infrastructure announcements.
