Mumbai News: BMC To Generate Biogas From Upgraded Sewage Treatment Plants, Promote Recycled Water Use Across City

Mumbai: The BMC plans to generate biogas at Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) as part of its integrated waste management and renewable energy drive. By treating wastewater and sludge, the STPs will produce biogas to help power operations, cut reliance on external electricity, and support other energy needs. Each of the seven planned STPs will require about 16 MW, with 20% of this targeted to be generated sustainably in-house.

The BMC is upgrading seven STPs with a combined capacity to treat 2,464 million litres (ML) of sewage daily. Currently, sewage is treated only at the primary level before discharge into creeks, rivers, and the Arabian Sea.

Mumbai Sewage Plants to Generate Biogas, Recycled Water as BMC Pushes for Sustainable Waste Management

The upgraded plants will implement secondary and tertiary treatment in line with stricter Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms to reduce pollution. So far, 30–42% of the work across these STPs has been completed.

Ashok Mengde, Deputy Chief Engineer (Sewage Project), said, “Biogas from treated sludge will generate electricity, while the sludge will undergo high-grade (Grade ‘A’) processing. With initial civil works complete, construction is progressing rapidly and will continue through the 2025 and 2026 monsoons to ensure timely completion. Equipment procurement and installation are underway, with strict safety protocols for workers. Once operational, the STPs will improve seawater quality and support marine ecosystems.”

Mumbai Sewage Plants to Generate Biogas, Recycled Water as BMC Pushes for Sustainable Waste Management

🔹Strengthening Environmental Infrastructure in Mumbai

🔹With a steadfast commitment to environmental protection, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is constructing a total of seven Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) across the Mumbai.

The upcoming STPs include:
➡️Worli –… pic.twitter.com/wt8xhgKzem

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) July 22, 2025

Knowledge Centre and Viewing Gallery

The BMC plans to build a Knowledge Centre and Viewing Gallery at the Bandra STP to educate students, researchers, and citizens about sewage treatment. Visitors will observe how treated water is safely discharged. The BMC will ensure no odour issues in the area and will develop a public garden to enhance the surroundings.

Mumbai Sewage Plants to Generate Biogas, Recycled Water as BMC Pushes for Sustainable Waste Management

Tanker filling points

According to current plans, 50% of the 2,464 ML of treated wastewater will undergo tertiary treatment, producing about 1,232 ML of potable-quality water for reuse.

A senior official stated, “Tanker filling points will be set up at all seven sites, allowing users to access reclaimed water as needed. The BMC will charge a nominal fee to encourage reuse and reduce drinking water wastage for non-potable purposes. This water can be used for maintaining gardens, depots, public toilets, and similar facilities, conserving fresh water for essential uses.”

Mumbai Sewage Plants to Generate Biogas, Recycled Water as BMC Pushes for Sustainable Waste Management

Water at Nominal rates

The BMC currently supplies recycled water from its Colaba STP to users like the Navy and Wellington Club at nominal rates Rs. 1 per kilolitre for the Navy and Rs. 20 for Wellington Club. Officials confirmed that similar rates will be extended to other institutions. “BPCL and HPCL in Mahul have requested recycled water for their cooling systems, and the BMC plans to supply nearly ML daily from the Ghatkopar STP to meet this demand,” an official said.

Mumbai: BMC To Set Up Seven Sewage Treatment Plants Across City; 30–50% Work Completed

Details of BMC's Upgraded Sewage Treatment Plants