Adyar, Kodambakkam zones to get 24-hour drinking water supply soon

Nehru tells State Assembly that the CMWSSB will implement the project at an estimated cost of ₹1,958.25 crore

The CMWSSB plans to build overhead tanks will be built to maintain uniform pressure in the pipelines as part of the 24-hour water supply scheme. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) will implement a round-the-clock drinking water supply scheme in Kodambakkam and Adyar zones on a pilot basis.

Minister for Municipal Administration K.N. Nehru made this announcement in the State Assembly during the discussion on demand for Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. Mr. Nehru said the project would be implemented in the two zones at a cost of ₹1,958.25 crore.

The CMWSSB would improve the existing water distribution infrastructure on the lines of the one executed in Puri, Odisha. Under this, water can be directly used from the tap for drinking and cooking.

According to sources, overhead tanks will be built to supply water with uniform pressure. Streets will be divided as metered areas where boundary valves will be sealed and piped network to other areas will be disconnected.

The scheme aims to ensure water reached the consumers in the tail end areas of the network. A detailed project report is being prepared to implement the project in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar zone.

The CMWSSB will link the water conveyance network between water sources located in different parts around the city with a ring main system. A detailed project report will be prepared to link all the source points, including water treatment plants, desalination plants and distribution points. Sources said this will help transfer water from any of the sources — Minjur, Red Hills, Nemmeli or Chembarambakkam — whenever there is lack of one source or during maintenance work.

In order to measure water flow into treatment and distribution facilities, the water board will install smart meters and monitor the work through SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition system). This will enable the CMWSSB to accurately measure water that flows in and distributed and check on water leaks and non revenue water, sources said.

Besides initiating feasibility study to tap new water sources in and around the city, the long-pending improvement work of the crumbling network on Anna Main Road in K.K. Nagar, will be executed at a cost of ₹31.53 crore.