The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a pilot aquifer mapping project along the Mithi river basin to boost Mumbai’s long-term water security. The initiative aims to assess the city’s groundwater potential by studying the quality, quantity, and salinity of underground water.
This is the first groundwater-specific study being undertaken by the civic body, and it will guide the development of new recharge systems like borewells and ringwells.
Why the Mithi River?
The Mithi river, which spans 17.8 km from Vihar Lake to Mahim Creek, flows through a variety of landscapes—including slums, industrial zones, and residential areas. It also passes through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, making it Mumbai’s largest natural catchment area.
Given its geographical and ecological importance, the BMC has chosen it as the starting point for aquifer mapping.
What Will the Study Do?
For one year, the BMC will carry out:
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Geophysical surveys to understand the structure and composition of underground layers
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Geochemical testing of soil, rock, and water samples
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Thematic mapping to locate confined and unconfined aquifer zones
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Identification of public recharge zones for future water harvesting
The mapping process aligns with the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) initiated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2012.
Mumbai currently depends on seven lakes, including those in Thane, Nashik, and Palghar, for its drinking water, most of which are replenished only during the monsoon season.
“Mumbai’s water comes entirely from surface sources, and all are outside city limits. If monsoon rains fail for two consecutive years, the city could face severe water scarcity,” said a BMC official.
With climate change bringing more unpredictability to rainfall, the city is now looking at local groundwater resources to make the water system more climate-resilient.
🧪 Tools & Technology
The BMC has floated tenders worth over ₹25 lakh to procure specialized equipment, including:
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300 water testing kits
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Rain gauges
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GPS devices
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Water level loggers and sounders
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30-meter measuring tapes
These will be used to collect and analyze data during the pilot phase.
What Happens Next?
“If the pilot along the Mithi river is successful, we plan to scale up the project across Mumbai,” a senior official said.
“Our larger goal is to make Mumbai’s water supply system more sustainable and self-reliant.”
As cities across India face mounting pressure from climate change, groundwater mapping is no longer a rural-only strategy. Mumbai’s urban aquifer exploration marks a crucial step in adapting megacities to the new climate reality.
