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The BMC's 2026-27 budget demonstrates a focused approach to addressing Mumbai's water supply challenges by investing heavily in infrastructure and alternative sources. By reviving the Gargai dam, building water conveyance tunnels, and implementing a desalination plant, the civic body aims to reduce the supply gap while increasing resilience. Combined with efforts to recycle sewage water and expand treatment capacity, these measures are intended to meet long-term demand and ensure sustainable supply. The plan positions the city to better handle future shortages and maintain consistent service for its residents and businesses.
The BMC's budget for 2026-27 dedicates the largest ever share of capital expenditure to water supply projects, accounting for more than 12 per cent of the total outlay. Officials highlighted that the city's current water supply of around 3,850 million litres per day (MLD) falls short of the demand, which is estimated at 4,300 MLD, leaving a gap of roughly 400 MLD. Mumbai relies entirely on reservoirs in neighbouring districts, which fill during the monsoon and feed the city through treatment plants. Advertisement
To improve delivery and reliability, the BMC has prioritised construction of six major water conveyance tunnels. These tunnels will connect key filtration facilities such as Bhandup and a proposed Panjrapur treatment plant to various reservoirs, ensuring uninterrupted flow even if traditional pipelines face maintenance issues or pressure shortages. Each tunnel is designed to operate independently and collectively form an integrated network.
Revival of the Gargai dam project is another major component of the plan. The dam, previously delayed due to administrative and funding challenges, will provide an additional source of freshwater for Mumbai. Alongside this, a desalination plant will convert seawater into potable water, providing an alternate supply to meet growing urban demand. Officials said water from these new sources will be routed through conveyance tunnels, treated, and then distributed to households and commercial establishments.
The budget also addresses long-term sustainability. Officials plan to recycle approximately 50 per cent of sewage water for non-drinking uses, helping to reduce the overall pressure on freshwater sources. The city aims to increase its daily water delivery to 5,000-5,500 MLD over the next decade through this mix of new sources, treatment expansion, and infrastructure modernisation.
Past investments in water treatment plants and pipeline upgrades have been supplemented by the current plan, which is more comprehensive and focuses on resilience. The civic body is also considering climate variability and population growth to ensure that future supply challenges are met without compromising reliability.
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