Maharashtra Approves BMC's Pise-Panjrapur Water Tunnel Project To Strengthen Mumbai Water Supply

Mumbai's State Government has granted prior permission for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) proposed water tunnel connecting Pise and Panjrapur, allowing the project to move forward. The Urban Development (UD) Department issued the necessary Government Resolution (GR) on Monday, highlighting outdated water pipelines and significant space limitations on the current water-main route.

Presently, water transported from the Bhatsa Dam to Pise Waterworks reaches the Panjrapur Water Treatment Plant via open channels, rendering the supply susceptible to leaks, loss, and contamination. The planned underground tunnel will provide a direct, enclosed path to Panjrapur, minimizing transmission losses and contamination hazards while enhancing Mumbai's long-term water security.

The BMC has issued a tender for a ₹13,000-crore flood mitigation plan to address recurring monsoon flooding. The UD Department has instructed the BMC to ensure tunnelling does not jeopardize nearby residential or commercial establishments, and a comprehensive geological survey must be conducted before selecting the suitable Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) based on underground rock and soil conditions.

Mandatory environmental and technical clearances from Central and State government departments must be obtained before work commences. A senior civic official explained that the underground tunnel will shield the water supply from external pollution and theft, diminish losses from aging and leaking channels, and ensure continuous transmission to the Panjrapur Water Treatment Plant during the monsoon and emergencies.

With the State's approval secured, the project is anticipated to proceed to the tendering and technical phases.