Under the Smart Cities Mission, T. Nagar is expected to get a new desalination plant that would supply 41 mld and a smart metering with 100 per cent service connections that could serve 3.05 lakh residents.
At present, T. Nagar has a population of 2.26 lakh. The existing water demand for T. Nagar is 30 mld. Currently, the per capita water supply in T. Nagar is estimated at 90 LPCD (litres per capita per day). The design factors in the requirements that are likely to arise in the future.
T. Nagar with 6.95 sq km (1,717 acres) has been shortlisted for area-based development. The decision was taken following a series of residents’ engagements, stakeholder consultations, online and offline polling.
Smart solutions estimated at Rs. 206 crore would be implemented in the 6.95 sq km area of T. Nagar. The desalination plant is expected to cost Rs. 173.33 crore.
“Information and communication technology is the key aspect of a smart city. But the government will not accept any proposal unless we offer residents water supply 24/7. Once the project is successfully implemented, such proposals will be extended to all other parts of the city,” said an official of Chennai Corporation. Currently, the Metrowater supplies water to T. Nagar from Red Hills, Chembarambakam Lake and desalination plants in Nemmeli and Minjur. As this supply is insufficient to meet the requirements of 41 mld, that is necessary for a smart city covering 6.95 sq km, a road map has been prepared for source augmentation.
The government is yet to finalise the location for the new desalination plant.
