The tendering process for the BMC’s desalination project at the Manori plant was postponed for the fourth time since January 4, raising serious questions about the corporation’s intent to launch the project, amid the growing problems of water scarcity and shortages in supply.

Currently, Mumbai receives 3,850 million litres daily (MLD) from seven lakes. The desalination project at Manori, which can add 200 MLD to the current supply, will help in balancing the demand-supply ratio. Its capacity can be expanded to 400 MLD in the future. It is predicted that it will take three to four years for the project to commence.