The Hindu : Front Page : Blueprint for new water sources soon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 08, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Blueprint for new water sources soon

K. Lakshmi

CHENNAI: Taking its proposal to identify additional sources of water for the city and its suburbs forward, Chennai Metrowater will set in motion the process of commissioning a detailed project report by this month-end.

The terms and regulations for preparation of the DPR, at a cost of Rs.2 crore, were approved recently by the Metrowater Management Committee. A three-fold increase in the demand for water in Chennai is expected in the next 15 years.

The consultancy firm to be selected through a competitive bidding process would be required to identify a reliable and sustainable water source that would yield at least 15 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) in a year. Besides identifying the location and the cost of bringing the water to the city, the consultancy would have to identify the route to be taken by the pipeline. Metrowater proposes to move the water through pipeline by gravity and not resort to pumping.

A techno-economic feasibility study, forming part of the DPR, would have to survey the possibility and the means of conveying water to the city from distant sources in three phases, the official said.

At least 5 tmc of water would have to be transmitted during the initial years of the project implementation.

Half of the Rs.2 crore towards appointment has been sanctioned for the first phase. On selection, the consultancy should submit the DPR in 15 months.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page