Mumbai, July 13 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed officials to expedite work on the 337-million-litres-per-day (MLD) Ghatkopar Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), setting a target of March 31, 2027, for completion to improve the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the sea. During an inspection of the Ghatkopar STP and the adjoining pumping station on Saturday, additional municipal commissioner (projects) Abhijit Bangar instructed officials to deploy additional manpower and adopt detailed micro-planning to ensure the project is completed within the deadline. With rainfall having temporarily eased in the city, Bangar said the current window should be fully utilised to accelerate construction. He directed officials to carry out multiple stages of the project simultaneously to avoid delays. The project, being executed by the BMC's sewerage projects department, involves the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a 337 MLD sewage treatment plant at Ghatkopar (East). Once operational, it will significantly improve the quality of treated wastewater released into the sea, benefiting the marine ecosystem as well as residents of Ghatkopar, Govandi, Mankhurd and Chembur. Bangar also reviewed the ongoing upgrade of the adjoining Ghatkopar Pumping Station, where civil and electrical works are underway. The project includes repairs to the pumping station building, replacement of equipment, installation of higher-capacity pumps and laying of a new rising main. Officials informed him that the project has achieved 85% physical progress. Bangar directed that the pumping station upgrade be completed by December 2026. Once commissioned, the plant will provide secondary treatment for the entire 337 MLD of sewage, while 170 MLD will undergo tertiary treatment....