Mumbai is a city built on contrasts. From glamorous high-rises to historic slums, its stories are layered, raw and honest. One such tale flows, quite literally, through the city’s centre. It’s the Mithi River, a once-pristine waterway that now mirrors Mumbai’s progress and pollution. Running alongside Dharavi, one of the largest informal settlements in the world, the river remains crucial to the city’s ecosystem. Through it, you’ll uncover resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention stories. With Magical Mumbai Tours, travellers can explore this lesser-known yet fascinating side of the city through curated walks and guided cultural journeys.
Understanding What the Mithi River Is
The Mithi River is a seasonal stream on Salsette Island in Mumbai. It begins at the overflow of Vihar Lake, picks up waters from Powai Lake, and continues through busy areas like Saki Naka, Kurla, Bandra Kurla Complex, Dharavi, and finally reaches the Arabian Sea at Mahim Creek. Stretching for about 18 kilometres, it’s more than just a drainage channel it’s historically been an integral part of the city’s ecology and lifestyle. Over time, rapid urban development has changed its course and quality, yet it continues to play a vital role in Mumbai’s daily functioning.
Why Dharavi Is Closely Linked to the Mithi River
Dharavi sits beside the Mithi River, forming a relationship of both dependency and distress. Once, the river was a lifeline, supporting local industries such as leather tanning, pottery, and textiles. For the Koli fishing community, it was a source of livelihood. Today, while it still flows through this densely populated area, it brings with it challenges of pollution, flooding, and disease. Despite this, Dharavi’s residents continue to adapt innovatively. Man-made fishing ponds and DIY waste filtration systems reveal just how important the river still is to their way of life.
Key Environmental Issues Affecting the Mithi River
Pollution is the biggest issue affecting the Mithi River today. With thousands of gallons of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and plastic waste entering it daily, the river’s condition is dire. Illegal dumping, unauthorised construction, and poor waste segregation have led to high toxicity levels. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board classifies the river as “heavily polluted.” As a result, aquatic life has dwindled, and the water is unsuitable even for non-drinking purposes. During monsoons, blockages cause flooding in low-lying areas like Dharavi and Kurla, affecting thousands of residents.
How Government and Civic Bodies Are Trying to Revive the Mithi River
Several efforts have been made to clean and revitalise the river. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mithi River Development and Protection Authority (MRDPA) have carried out desilting, installed trash traps, and issued tenders worth ₹2,400 crores to build sewage diversion channels. NGOs and environmentalists, such as Rajendra Singh (often called the “Waterman of India”), have organised awareness campaigns and clean-up yatras. However, despite these efforts, progress remains slow due to lack of coordination and ongoing encroachments.
Stories from the Koli Fishing Community Along the Mithi
The Kolis, Mumbai’s original inhabitants, have historically relied on local rivers and creeks. But due to declining fish populations and water toxicity, many now use traditional wisdom to build man-made fish ponds along the Mithi River. They manually clean and maintain these ponds, using natural filters like sand and gravel to reduce contamination. During the monsoon, these ponds face high risk of overflow and toxic runoff, yet the community adapts each year. Their resilience is a striking symbol of how indigenous knowledge can respond to environmental degradation.
What Makes Dharavi a Must-Visit for Conscious Travellers
Though often misunderstood, Dharavi is a global example of urban sustainability. With recycling units, leather industries, and street food vendors operating side-by-side, the area showcases resourceful urban living at its peak. Exploring Dharavi with Magical Mumbai Tours reveals its relationship with the river how waste flows in and out, how residents create alternative systems for drainage and filtration, and how the community fights to preserve both health and heritage. It’s not a slum safari, but a respectful engagement with people who thrive despite adversity.
How to Explore the Mithi River with Magical Mumbai Tours
Magical Mumbai Tours offers guided tours that combine heritage, local lifestyle, and environmental awareness. On a typical tour:
– You’ll visit river-adjacent spots in Dharavi
– Hear stories from Koli families and artisans
– Learn how locals manage waste and water challenges
– See firsthand the resilience that defines life here
These tours are designed for eco-conscious travellers, journalists, urban planners, and curious explorers who want to see Mumbai beyond its glamour.
Media and Public Awareness Campaigns on Mithi
The Mithi River has featured in several awareness campaigns. From art installations like Chintan Upadhyay’s “Khatti-Mithi” to documentaries such as “Making the Sewer… a River Again”, artists and filmmakers continue to highlight the ecological crisis. Educational workshops, river walks, and street plays have also been used to draw attention to Mumbai’s vanishing waterways. These initiatives often collaborate with schools and environmental groups to build youth engagement and long-term solutions.
The Role of Urban Planning in the Mithi River’s Future
For the Mithi River to recover, long-term urban planning is key. This includes:
– Building proper sewage infrastructure
– Establishing green zones along riverbanks
– Regular monitoring of water quality
– Relocating illegal settlements responsibly
– Creating public awareness campaigns
Urban planners and architects have proposed ideas like floating wetlands and riverfront parks. These not only improve the water’s health but also create spaces for recreation and biodiversity. Mumbai’s planners must see the Mithi as more than a drain it’s a living system that deserves protection.
Conclusion
The story of the Mithi River is not just about pollution it’s about people, survival, and transformation. Flowing alongside Dharavi, this neglected waterway reflects both the challenges and spirit of Mumbai. With the right mix of awareness, activism, and inclusive tourism, the river can be revived. Guided experiences from Magical Mumbai Tours help travellers understand the deeper narrative of Mumbai not just its glitter, but its grit. Join a walk, hear the stories, and witness a city still learning how to live with its rivers.
FAQs
What is the current state of the Mithi River?
The Mithi River is heavily polluted, with untreated sewage, plastic, and industrial waste. Ongoing projects aim to clean it, but large-scale change is still needed.
Can tourists visit the Mithi River?
Yes, travellers can explore parts of the river on foot, especially through Dharavi. Guided tours by Magical Mumbai Tours provide safe, informative, and respectful experiences.
Why is the Mithi River important to Mumbai?
It plays a crucial role in flood control, ecosystem balance, and historically supported livelihoods. Despite its degraded state, it remains vital to the city’s future.
How can I book a tour with Magical Mumbai Tours?
You can book via their official website. They offer walking tours, cultural visits, and eco-trails that include parts of Dharavi and the Mithi River.
