TN CM inaugurates second largest water treatment plant

Chennai, July 19 (UNI) The 530 MLD Water Treatment Plant at suburban Chembarambakkam, the second largest in the country, was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today.

Once the plant is Commissioned, it would be the second largest in the country and add substantially to the Metrowater's treatment capacity.

The Plant conceptualised and built by Degremont with a capacity to treat 530 million litres of water per day in one seam, has the second highest capacity in the country next to the Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant at New Delhi, which is 635 MLD.

This project was approved in 1996 at an estimated cost of Rs 296 crore, inclusive of pipelines for water distribution and administrative expenses.

The construction of the Plant was completed early this year and after a trial run of three months, it is now fully operational.

According to Metro water officials, of the total project cost of Rs 296 crore, about Rs 135 crore was spent on building the treatment plant.

While Metrowater contributed Rs 107 crore towards construction, the remaining amount was sought as French assistance of which 70 per cent would be repaid.

The plant would be leased to the French company Degremont Sa, involved in the construction, since May 2005, to operate and maintain for seven years from the date of Commissioning.

The plant was automated and managed, using a SCADA system and would use the Aquazur V and Pulsator clarification and filtration techniques, developed by French company.

Water would be drawn from the Chembarambakkam Lake and supplied to the city without affecting irrigation.It would help the city in maintaining the supply.

The pipeline had been completed over a length of 15.5 Km and had been linked with the city water supply network.

UNI