Mumbai: Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority has approved the construction of twin tunnels for the proposed wastewater treatment facility at Dharavi. The approval, with conditions, was granted at a meeting last month. Only construction of twin tunnels to the receiving shaft falling under coastal regulation zone (CRZ) II has been approved. No construction has been allowed in CRZ IA, CRZ IB and CRZ IV. BMC is required to obtain the necessary NOCs as the twin tunnels will pass under the protected forest area of Mahim Nature Park.
The conditions include submission of a separate application for disposal of treated water into Mahim creek, considering the recommendation of National Institute of Oceanography; ensuring no solid or liquid waste is disposed of in the coastal area; and ensuring debris is scientifically processed.
The civic body had submitted a proposal for safe conveyance and disposal of treated wastewater from the Dharavi facility near Sion station to the marine outfall system at Mahim creek through an underground system. Each tunnel is 2.6m wide and 501.6m long. BMC has proposed the system to minimise disturbance to existing utilities, reduce traffic and public inconvenience, limit tree cutting within Mahim Nature Park and ensure safe and efficient conveyance of treated wastewater.
