Setting the Context
Flowing through the heart of Mumbai, the Mithi River has for centuries been more than just a river — it has been the city’s lifeline, culture bearer, and natural guardian. Originating from the overflow of the Powai Lake and the Vihar Lake, the river meanders through key industrial, residential, and informal settlement areas before finally meeting the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek.
Historically, the Mithi River supported local Koli fishing communities, aided small-scale trade activities, and played an essential role in Mumbai’s natural drainage and flood management system. However, as urbanization accelerated post the 1970s, the river’s health sharply declined.
According to a report by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Mithi now receives an enormous load of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and municipal solid waste, severely impacting its water quality.
Nevertheless, hope glimmers on the horizon. Organizations like Earth5R are pioneering urban sustainability solutions through the BlueCities Model. Initiatives such as the Mumbai River Cleanup, supported by global platforms including the United Nations, demonstrate that community-driven, science-backed restoration efforts can make significant change possible.
Key Problems Facing the Mithi River
Despite the critical importance of the Mithi River to Mumbai, it faces numerous severe environmental challenges. The urbanization of Mumbai has resulted in pollution, encroachment, and mismanagement of water resources. Below, we discuss the key problems affecting the river’s ecosystem:
Solid Waste Dumping
Solid waste dumping along the Mithi River is rampant. The river has become a dumping ground for plastics, construction debris, and household garbage. A study by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) revealed that approximately 800-1,000 tonnes of waste are dumped into the river daily, further exacerbating the pollution problem.
This waste includes plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, and other non-biodegradable items that choke the flow of the river and contribute to plastic pollution (BMC Waste Management Report).
According to UNEP, India is one of the world’s largest consumers of plastic, and rivers like Mithi are heavily affected by this disposable culture. In 2019, plastic waste was identified as one of the primary pollutants in the Mithi River during cleanup efforts spearheaded by environmental groups and NGOs like Earth5R.
Water Quality Degradation
The water quality of Mithi River has deteriorated sharply over the years, marked by changes in color, odor, and overall clarity. Mithi River’s once-clear waters now carry a foul odor and a murky, brownish appearance, a clear sign of pollutants. A critical issue is the presence of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and mercury, which have been detected in the river at levels far exceeding permissible limits.
Studies from the University of Mumbai have shown that the Mithi River’s pollution levels are unsafe for consumption and cause harmful impacts on human health, particularly for those relying on the river for drinking water (University Study on Water Quality).
Loss of Biodiversity
The biodiversity of the Mithi River has suffered significantly. In the past, the river supported diverse aquatic species, including various fish, amphibians, and plant species. However, with rising pollution and habitat destruction, the river’s biodiversity has drastically reduced.
According to a study by WWF India, many fish species that were once common in the Mithi River have either vanished or are critically endangered. Notable species such as the Indian crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) have almost disappeared from the river due to habitat loss and water pollution.
Riverbank Encroachment
Urban development along the Mithi River has led to significant encroachment of the riverbanks. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reported that more than 60% of the riverbanks are encroached by illegal constructions, slums, and waste dumping areas.
In 2019, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took action against illegal constructions along the Mithi River, acknowledging the rampant encroachment of critical flood zones and water storage areas (NGT Order on Encroachments). As a result, flooding, like the 2015 Mumbai Floods, worsens, causing extensive property damage and displacing thousands.
Groundwater Contamination
The Mithi River’s pollution has not only affected its surface water but has also impacted the groundwater levels in nearby areas. Leachate from untreated sewage and waste in the river has seeped into the underground aquifers.
This has led to groundwater contamination, particularly affecting slum areas that rely on local wells for drinking water. In 2018, a study by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported that several areas along the Mithi River had unsafe levels of nitrates and heavy metals in groundwater, directly threatening public health (CGWB Report on Groundwater).
Consequences of River Neglect
Increased Urban Flooding
Mithi River has a notorious history of flooding, exacerbated by the lack of proper waste management, encroachment, and urbanization. The 2005 Mumbai Floods serve as a grim reminder of how poorly managed rivers can lead to urban disasters.
During this flood, the Mithi River overflowed due to the accumulation of waste blocking its flow and the extensive encroachment along its banks. The city saw a 1,000 mm rainfall in just 24 hours, and the flooding caused widespread chaos, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and extensive economic losses (The Hindu Report on 2005 Mumbai Floods).
This image provides an overview of large dams in India, showing a total of 5,701 dams, including those operational and under construction. It also highlights the criteria for classifying large dams and records of dam disasters across various states.
The situation continues to worsen as urban sprawl along the river increases. The encroachments on the riverbanks reduce the natural ability of the river to absorb rainfall and manage floodwaters, increasing the risk of urban flooding in the future.
Studies from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay suggest that future flood events could be more severe unless there is significant intervention in river management (IIT Bombay Study on Flood Management).
Economic Losses
According to a report from the World Bank (World Bank Report on Urban Flooding), Mumbai’s annual economic losses from flooding alone amount to over ₹1,000 crore ($135 million).
The poor state of Mithi River is a significant contributor to this figure. Additionally, the local fishing industry, once thriving along the river, has been devastated due to the loss of aquatic biodiversity, leading to further economic distress in surrounding communities.
Social Inequality
The degradation of Mithi River disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, particularly slum dwellers and low-income families living along the riverbanks. Reports from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) highlight how flood victims are primarily from low-income neighborhoods (SRA Report on Flood Impact).
These communities often lack the resources to protect themselves from the consequences of river pollution, highlighting the intersection of environmental issues and social inequality. The neglect of the river contributes to a cycle of poverty and displacement, exacerbating urban poverty.
Why Past Efforts Have Failed
Focus on Beautification Over Ecological Restoration
Another key reason for the failure of past efforts has been the emphasis on beautification rather than ecological restoration. Previous interventions, particularly the Mithi River Development Plan (MRDP), focused on aesthetic improvements like landscaping, parks, and riverside walkways without addressing the root causes of pollution.
Experts like Dr. Rajendra Singh, known as the “Waterman of India,” have long argued that river restoration must focus on restoring the ecological health of the waterbody, such as improving water quality and promoting biodiversity (Dr. Rajendra Singh on River Restoration). However, these fundamental aspects have been largely ignored in favor of superficial fixes.
Absence of Sustained Community Engagement
Past efforts have also failed due to the absence of sustained community involvement. River cleaning projects often end up being top-down interventions led by authorities without adequate local participation. This lack of community ownership has led to a lack of long-term engagement and sustainability.
Local communities and businesses, who are most affected by the river’s health, have often been left out of the decision-making process.
A report from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) highlights that involving communities in river cleaning efforts can significantly improve the outcome, as local people can take ownership of their environment and hold authorities accountable (TISS Report on Community Engagement).
However, past initiatives for the Mithi River have failed to include local stakeholders in meaningful ways.
Limited Corporate and CSR Involvement
Finally, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have not played a sufficient role in Mithi River restoration. While many corporations in Mumbai are engaged in environmental efforts, they have largely focused on short-term CSR projects, such as donating funds for river clean-up drives or sponsoring local events.
These isolated efforts are not connected to a larger, more strategic, and holistic approach to river restoration.
According to the Business Responsibility Report published by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), while CSR activities have grown over the years, their alignment with long-term environmental sustainability goals, such as river restoration, remains limited (SEBI CSR Guidelines).
Without deeper, more integrated CSR strategies, including waste management solutions and biodiversity restoration, efforts to clean the Mithi River will continue to fall short.
What Needs to Be Done: The Blueprint for Complete River Restoration
To restore the Mithi River to a state of ecological balance, we must adopt a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy that addresses the underlying issues and sets clear, measurable goals for rehabilitation.
This blueprint for restoration needs to incorporate various approaches ranging from waste management and sewage treatment to ecological restoration and community engagement.
Zero Untreated Sewage
The Mithi River is often polluted with untreated sewage, which is one of the major contributors to its degradation. According to the Mumbai Environment Social Network (MESN), Mithi River receives nearly 40% of its pollution from untreated sewage (MESN Report on Mithi River).
Thus, upgrading and expanding the city’s sewage treatment capacity to accommodate rising urbanization is essential.
Incorporating cutting-edge technology for wastewater management is essential for Mumbai to meet its targets of achieving zero untreated sewage.
Technologies like Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Oxidation Ditch Systems have proven effective in treating large volumes of wastewater, and their implementation should be prioritized (OECD Report on Wastewater Management).
Solid Waste to Circular Economy
Promote decentralized waste segregation and recycling systems at the community level, ensuring that waste doesn’t end up in the river. Local-level interventions, such as community-based Waste-to-Energy systems, can significantly reduce the amount of waste entering the river (World Bank Circular Economy Report).
Implement plastic bans and increase public awareness about plastic recycling. The Mithi River has witnessed a significant rise in plastic waste, with reports from Earth5R highlighting efforts to eliminate single-use plastics (Earth5R Plastic Waste Management).
Additionally, creating a local waste management ecosystem where waste is seen as a resource and is reintegrated into the economy through recycling and upcycling will ensure sustainable waste disposal practices that reduce long-term pollution in the river.
Ecological Restoration
Wetlands act as natural filters, absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants before they reach the river. Restoring the wetland ecosystems around the Mithi River is vital for reducing water pollution and increasing the river’s capacity to handle pollutants (WWF India on Wetland Restoration).
Introducing native plants along the riverbanks can help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and provide habitats for native wildlife. This can also prevent the growth of invasive species that degrade the natural ecosystem. Creating biodiversity corridors along the Mithi River will help restore the river’s ecological balance.
These corridors will connect isolated habitats, enabling species to thrive and reproduce. Biodiversity surveys should be conducted to identify and protect the flora and fauna of the river (IUCN Report on Biodiversity Corridors).
Community Ownership Models
Riverkeeper Programs: Establishing community-led programs, like the Riverkeeper Program that has been successful in cities like New York, will ensure that local citizens are directly involved in monitoring the river, reporting violations, and organizing clean-up drives (Riverkeeper Program).
Encouraging local residents to collect data on water quality, pollution levels, and biodiversity can play a significant role in raising awareness and empowering citizens. These community-driven initiatives can serve as watchdogs and help maintain pressure on authorities to take action.
Schools and universities should be encouraged to participate in environmental education and river restoration workshops. This will help nurture a generation that values sustainability and understands the importance of rivers in urban ecosystems.
The success of these initiatives can be further supported by partnerships with local NGOs, like Earth5R, which specialize in engaging communities in river and waste management projects (Earth5R Community Engagement).
Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution
Data-Driven River Health Diagnosis
One of the key aspects of Earth5R’s approach is the use of data-driven river health diagnosis. This involves assessing the water quality and pollution levels of a river, followed by the implementation of real-time monitoring systems to track the improvement over time.
For the Mithi River, Earth5R can deploy IoT sensors along critical stretches of the river to gather data on key indicators such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and heavy metals. By continuously monitoring these parameters, Earth5R ensures that any changes in water quality are detected immediately, enabling quick remedial action.
Community-First Mobilization and Training
An essential element of Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative is community-first mobilization. River restoration projects are most successful when local communities take ownership of the process. Earth5R’s model includes community engagement, education, and training programs that empower citizens to take an active role in river conservation.
For the Mithi River, Earth5R could organize riverkeeper programs, citizen science workshops, and awareness campaigns. These programs not only educate local residents about the significance of the river but also involve them in ongoing monitoring and clean-up efforts.
By engaging youth groups, NGOs, and local schools, Earth5R builds long-term environmental stewardship and a sense of responsibility among the population.
In other regions, Earth5R has already seen remarkable success with similar programs. For instance, in the Yamuna River Cleanup Project in Delhi, Earth5R engaged thousands of local volunteers and educated them on the importance of reducing river pollution. Their efforts were supported by interactive workshops and training modules for young volunteers.
Ecological Restoration Based on Science
For the Mithi River, Earth5R could implement wetland restoration, introduce native plant species along the riverbanks, and establish biodiversity corridors to support local wildlife. These actions would help stabilize the riverbanks, reduce erosion, and improve the overall ecological balance of the river ecosystem.
The introduction of floating islands, constructed wetlands, and bio-filtration systems has proven to be effective in other Earth5R river restoration projects, such as in Mumbai’s Dahisar River, where these methods contributed to significant improvements in water quality.
Waste-to-Recycling Circular Economy Integration
A critical component of Earth5R’s approach is integrating waste-to-recycling circular economy models into river restoration efforts. Instead of allowing waste to accumulate in rivers like Mithi, Earth5R advocates for the systematic segregation of waste, encouraging recycling, and even converting waste into valuable resources.
In the Mithi River project, Earth5R could facilitate waste collection from both the river and nearby urban areas and channel it through recycling facilities. This could include the development of local recycling hubs, community-based waste-to-energy plants, and the establishment of plastic waste management programs.
Earth5R’s proven expertise in setting up waste management systems in urban environments can be leveraged to reduce plastic and solid waste pollution in the Mithi River.
The Pune River Cleanup Project carried out by Earth5R saw successful integration of waste-to-recycling programs, with waste being turned into usable resources such as compost, biogas, and recycled materials. These programs were carried out in partnership with local communities and corporate sponsors.
Corporate, CSR, and Government Partnership Models
Restoring a river like Mithi requires multi-sector collaboration. Earth5R actively works with corporates, local governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to pool resources, knowledge, and technology to restore urban rivers. Earth5R has a track record of facilitating partnerships between corporates and government bodies to fund and support river restoration projects.
Through its CSR initiatives, Earth5R brings together companies that are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, enabling them to invest in river restoration efforts. Earth5R’s collaborations with corporates in the Mula-Mutha River Cleanup Project in Pune highlight the success of this model.
Technology Platforms for Real-Time Monitoring and Citizen Engagement
Incorporating technology into river restoration is essential for ensuring ongoing progress and transparency. Earth5R uses advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, mobile applications, and data analytics platforms to offer real-time monitoring and engage citizens in ongoing river health assessments.
In the case of the Mithi River, Earth5R could establish a digital dashboard for citizens to access live data on water quality, pollution levels, and the river’s overall health. By enabling the public to actively participate in monitoring and reporting, Earth5R increases accountability and creates a transparent environment for all stakeholders.
Livelihood Creation Programs Linked to Green Economy
Incorporating livelihood creation programs into river restoration efforts is key to ensuring the sustainability of the project. Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative focuses on creating green jobs related to waste management, ecological restoration, and river monitoring.
For the Mithi River, Earth5R could offer training programs for local communities to work in waste collection, recycling, and river clean-up efforts.
These programs not only improve the local environment but also generate income for communities, contributing to overall economic development. For example, Earth5R’s Mumbai River Cleanup Project included job training and skill development for local residents, creating new opportunities for employment and improving the local economy.
The Urgent Choice Before Us
The urgent need for a holistic and integrated river restoration model is clear. This model must include consistent monitoring, zero untreated sewage, comprehensive waste management systems, and most importantly, community participation.
Only through an integrated approach — which combines environmental restoration, circular economy principles, technological innovations, and community ownership — can cities tackle the root causes of river pollution and secure a healthier future for their populations.
Collaborative Partnerships are key. Governments, corporations, non-profits, and citizens must come together to form an ecosystem of change. Earth5R’s model has already seen success in Mumbai’s Mithi River (earth5r.org) and other urban restoration projects across India. Leveraging these partnerships is critical for replicating success on a wider scale.
Empowering Local Communities through training, awareness, and hands-on involvement ensures the long-term sustainability of restoration efforts.
Communities are not just passive recipients of benefits; they are central actors in the success of these projects. As seen in case studies like the Mithi River (earth5r.org) and other urban rivers, when locals are empowered, they become the best stewards of the environment.
Data Snapshot Box
| Indicator | Current Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sewage Treated | 52% of sewage is treated | MPCB Report |
| BOD Level | 75 mg/L | MPCB Report |
| Plastic Waste Removed | 4,440 tons | Earth5R Mithi River Case Study |
| Biodiversity Loss | 60% species loss | University Study |
| Encroachment | 30% of riverbanks encroached | Urban Planning Survey |
| Water Quality | High presence of heavy metals | Earth5R Report |
Why These Data Points Matter
The current state of the Mithi River — with its high levels of plastic waste, untreated sewage, and biodiversity loss — paints a sobering picture of the environmental degradation occurring in urban waterways across India. These data points underline the urgency of coordinated efforts in river restoration.
To transform Mithi River into a thriving, healthy waterway again, a systematic and holistic approach is needed. This includes improving wastewater treatment facilities, managing plastic waste more efficiently, and prioritizing ecological restoration through native species reintroduction and habitat preservation.
In line with the Earth5R BlueCities Model, this model combines technological solutions, community engagement, and environmental science to offer a comprehensive strategy for river restoration.
Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Mumbai
Mumbai, one of the largest cities in India, is home to the Mithi River, a once-vibrant waterway now battling severe pollution and ecological degradation. The challenges faced by Mumbai — from water pollution to urban flooding — are not isolated; they are emblematic of the pressures that rapidly growing urban centers face across the globe.
Yet, with these challenges come tremendous opportunities for transformation. By aligning the restoration of the Mithi River with broader urban sustainability goals, Mumbai has the chance to emerge as a beacon of environmental resilience.
In the coming years, Mumbai can lead the charge toward a sustainable urban future through integrated environmental strategies. Earth5R’s BlueCities model is uniquely positioned to guide this transformation, offering scalable, impactful solutions that address the full spectrum of urban sustainability challenges.
Below are some key areas where Mumbai can seize opportunities to foster a greener, more sustainable city.
Mumbai’s traffic congestion and vehicle emissions contribute to high levels of air pollution, which adversely affects the city’s health and climate goals. The transportation sector in Mumbai is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
