In a move aimed at promoting water conservation and addressing the growing concerns over drinking water shortages, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made it mandatory for developers to use tertiary treated recycled water in all construction projects approved by the Town Planning Department.

This directive comes as part of the city’s efforts to manage its increasing water demand while ensuring sustainability amidst the challenges posed by diminishing rainfall and water scarcity.

Currently, the NMMC operates seven sewage treatment plants, which use the advanced SBR technology to process all the sewage in the city. To maximise the utilisation of treated water, the corporation has also set up tertiary treatment plants at Koparkhairane and Airoli, using Ultra Filtration and Ultraviolet-Based Technology.

These plants treat secondary treated water, which is then recycled and supplied to industrial establishments in the TTC Industrial Area of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for non-potable uses.

As redevelopment projects of CIDCO’s hazardous buildings and private land developments continue, there has been a surge in potable water consumption. However, with declining rainfall and growing concerns about water availability, the city is facing an increasing shortage of drinking water.

To mitigate this issue, the NMMC is leveraging its large stock of recycled water, and the new regulation requiring developers to use tertiary treated recycled water for construction projects is expected to reduce reliance on potable water. This initiative aims to conserve vital water resources and ensure long-term sustainability for the region.