Dahisar River

Slithering through the heart of Mumbai, the Dahisar River has a story to tell. A story of shimmering waters and Bollywood dreams, now tainted by the shadows of pollution. The Dahisar River begins its journey in the tranquil Tulsi Lake, nestled within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It flows northwest for 12 kilometers, passing through diverse neighborhoods like Sri Krishna Nagar, Daulatnagar, and Dahisar Gaothan before finally reaching the Arabian Sea via Manori Creek. Imagine a time when the Dahisar River was so pristine that Hindi films were shot on its banks. Locals even recall sightings of crocodiles in the 1960s. This once-picturesque river, with an average depth of 10 meters and a catchment area of 3488 hectares, was a lifeline for surrounding communities. The river’s name, Dahisar, is believed to be derived from the many “dahi” (curd) sellers who once populated its banks. Sadly, uncontrolled urbanization has taken its toll. The encroachment of slums, the dumping of industrial waste, and the constant flow of sewage have transformed the Dahisar River into a polluted waterway. The once wide river has narrowed, choked by silt, debris, and plastic bags. The devastating Maharashtra floods of 2005, which claimed over 100 lives, exposed the river’s vulnerability. The deluge submerged thousands of homes and businesses in areas like Rawal Pada and Sri Krishna Nagar under 2.5 meters of water. Following this tragedy, the BMC initiated a desilting and widening project to mitigate future flooding. But the fight for the Dahisar River’s survival continues. Citizen groups like River March are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the river’s plight and push for its restoration. Their efforts, combined with the initiatives of local authorities, offer a glimmer of hope for the Dahisar River’s future.