The Hindu : Front Page : Expert to study long-term solution to water shortage

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Sunday, Aug 17, 2008
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Expert to study long-term solution to water shortage

T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI: Chennai Metrowater will soon appoint a consultant to study long-term options of overcoming the projected shortfall in water availability the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) is to face in the next two decades.

The State government has decided to provide Rs. 2 crore to the water agency from the project preparatory grant fund. Initially, Metrowater will get Rs. 1 crore, according to an order issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

This follows an announcement made by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin in the Assembly. At present, the CMA’s water demand is 1,200 million litres a day (MLD), whereas the supply is 985 MLD. The projected deficit will be 15 MLD by 2011 and 1,085 MLD by 2031.

In the wake of rapid urbanisation and industrial growth, the metropolitan area will require 15 thousand million cubic feet at least. This is why the government has advised Chennai Metrowater to take steps for identifying new sources.

Currently, the water agency is dependent on surface water and groundwater resources. Satyamurti Sagar in Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chemparampakkam, Porur and Veeranam are among the surface water sources apart from Krishna water.

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