Chennai's 400 MLD Desalination Plant Construction Accelerated by Minister K N Nehru
Chennai's 400 MLD Desalination Plant Construction Fast-Tracked

Chennai's 400 MLD Desalination Plant Construction Accelerated by Minister K N Nehru

Municipal Administration Minister K N Nehru has issued a directive to officials to fast-track the construction of a major 400 million litres per day (MLD) desalination plant in Perur, Chennai. The project, valued at 6,078.40 crore, aims to significantly enhance the city's water supply infrastructure.

Project Review and Key Components Under Construction

On Wednesday, Minister Nehru conducted a comprehensive review of the project's progress, which is being implemented by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The initiative receives financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). At the Perur site, several critical components are currently under active construction, including:

  • Intake structure
  • Lamella clarifier
  • Reverse osmosis (RO) building
  • Product water tank
  • Clear water reservoir
  • Sludge thickener
  • Chemical and electrical buildings

Officials reported that offshore works have been successfully completed, involving 2,500-mm diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines. This includes two intake pipelines measuring 1,140 meters and 1,150 meters, along with a 756-meter outfall pipeline.

Pipeline Installation and Infrastructure Augmentation

As part of the broader project, a total of 59 kilometers of pipelines will be laid from Perur to Porur. So far, 19.5 kilometers of 2,000/1,800mm diameter pipes have been delivered to the site, with 4.1 kilometers already installed. Additionally, infrastructure augmentation work has commenced in the Adyar zone to ensure a reliable 24x7 water supply in selected areas.

Expected Benefits and Current Water Sources

The desalination plant is projected to benefit approximately 22.67 lakh residents across the Greater Chennai Corporation, Tambaram Corporation, and 20 adjoining local bodies. Currently, Chennai's water supply relies on multiple sources, including:

  1. Poondi Lake
  2. Cholavaram Lake
  3. Red Hills Lake
  4. Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai Lake
  5. Chembarambakkam Lake
  6. Veeranam Lake
  7. Existing desalination plants at Nemmeli (110 MLD and 150 MLD)

The city receives around 1,230 MLD of water daily from these combined sources. The new Perur plant will substantially augment this capacity, addressing growing demand and enhancing water security for the region.