Phase I of Dahisar river cleanup project inaugurated by Piyush Goyal.

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal recently inaugurated Phase 1 of the Dahisar River Rejuvenation and Beautification Project in Mumbai, calling the sewage treatment plant (STP) model developed along the river a potential “role model” for the rest of the country.

Speaking at the inauguration in Dahisar, Goyal said river cleaning cannot be achieved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation alone and stressed the importance of public participation. “The movement to clean the Dahisar river will succeed only when citizens stop throwing waste into the river,” he said.

He added that the project aligns with the Centre’s broader effort to rejuvenate 350 rivers across India, and said the Dahisar riverfront could eventually be developed into a tourism and recreation hub. He also called for desilting, deepening of the river channel and revival of natural water springs along the stretch.

According to civic officials, Phase 1 of the project includes two fully automated sewage treatment plants using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology — a 1.5 MLD facility at Sukurwadi in Borivli East and a 5 MLD plant at Indiranagar in Dahisar West. The treated water will be reused for non-potable purposes such as road cleaning, gardening, construction activities and vehicle washing.

Officials said the project covers a 4.75-km stretch of the river and includes 4.4 km of sewer lines, interceptors to divert sewage flow, and the development of service roads along the river. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce untreated sewage discharge and improve environmental conditions in surrounding areas.

Goyal also said the project would help reduce flooding during the monsoon and urged local representatives to ensure regular garbage removal through civic systems.

Deputy mayor Sanjay Ghadi appealed to citizens not to litter the river and called for strict action against repeat offenders. Local MLA Manisha Chaudhary said rehabilitation efforts for project-affected persons would be expedited, adding that 1,244 affected families would be provided housing under the project.