Mumbai: BMC picks consultant to keep Powai lake sewage-free

Sewage discharge into Powai lake has been a point of contention for more than 10 years. Pics/Anurag Ahire

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finally found a consultant for its endeavour to prevent sewage from entering Powai lake. Municipal Commissioner I S Chahal approved the proposal to appoint the consultant, Tandon Urban Solutions, last week.

According to the proposal, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the civic body to prevent the discharge of sewage into Powai lake on March 7, 2022. After this, the BMC invited tenders to appoint a consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project on July 27, 2022. However, it didn't find a suitable candidate, so on September 14, 2022, tenders were invited again. Tandon Urban Solutions will prepare the DPR in six months. The BMC will spend Rs 67.80 lakh to consult with the firm.

As per the NGT order, the consultant must prepare a DPR to stop and remediate sewage entering Powai lake. This includes diverting intercepted stormwater runoff - or precipitation that flows across the land - to nearby municipal sewers. The consultant will examine ways and means of collecting sewage near the source in slums. "After the DPR is ready, the BMC will appoint a contractor to divert the sewage network that enters the lake," said a BMC official.

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According to a study done by the civic body a few years ago, 10.9 million litres of sewage is being discharged into the city's lakes daily. There are 15 outfalls from where untreated sewage enters Powai lake. Sewage discharge into the water body has been a point of contention and discussion for more than 10 years.