Navi Mumbai: NMMC Mandates Use of Recycled Water in All Construction Projects to Conserve Potable Water

Navi Mumbai: In a significant move towards water conservation, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made it mandatory for developers to use tertiary-treated recycled water for all approved construction projects in the city. This directive aims to reduce the consumption of potable water amid increasing concerns over water scarcity.

Currently, seven advanced sewage treatment plants (STPs) operate in the NMMC area using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology to treat wastewater. To enhance the efficient use of treated water, tertiary treatment plants utilizing Ultra-Filtration and Ultraviolet Technology have been established in Koparkhairane and Airoli under the AMRUT Mission.

The three-stage treated recycled water from these plants is already being supplied to industrial units in the TTC Industrial Area for non-drinking purposes. However, with rapid urbanisation and increasing redevelopment projects—including the reconstruction of dilapidated CIDCO buildings—construction activities have been consuming large amounts of drinking water, exacerbating the issue of water scarcity.

Considering the declining rainfall and the growing demand for potable water, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has issued a directive mandating that all new construction projects approved by the Town Planning Department must utilize tertiary treated recycled water instead of potable water.

This move is expected to conserve drinking water resources while promoting sustainable urban development in Navi Mumbai. Developers have been urged to comply with the new regulation to support the city's water conservation efforts.