In a significant move to combat marine pollution, Mumbai authorities are preparing to install floating barriers across key waterways to stop plastic waste from entering the Arabian Sea.
The initiative, led by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), aims to intercept plastic debris and other floating waste materials before they drift into open waters.
Mumbai’s network of rivers, nullahs, and stormwater drains often carries large quantities of plastic waste — especially during the monsoon season — directly into the sea. Environmental experts have long warned that unchecked plastic flow contributes to marine ecosystem damage, coastal pollution, and flooding caused by clogged drainage systems.
The floating barriers, often referred to as trash booms, are designed to trap debris while allowing water to pass through. Collected waste will then be removed regularly by civic teams and processed through proper waste management channels.
Officials say the project is part of a broader push toward urban sustainability and improved solid waste management practices. If successful, the model could be expanded to additional waterways across the city.
Marine conservationists have welcomed the move, noting that preventive measures at the source are far more effective than attempting large-scale ocean clean-ups later.
As cities worldwide grapple with plastic pollution, Mumbai’s initiative signals a shift toward proactive environmental governance — targeting waste before it reaches fragile marine ecosystems.
