POLICY NOTE - 2002-03

 

XIII - CHENNAI METROPOLITAN WATERSUPPLY

AND SEWERAGE BOARD

The Hon'ble Chief Minister's 15 Point Programme sets out WATER SECURITY as one of the important objectives of this Government. Metro water (CMWSSB) will thus ensure that Chennai, is assured of water security. The raison d’ętre of Metro water’s core philosophy of Water Management is aimed at drought-proofing Chennai and its environs. The very basis of the concept revolves around ensuring the availability of a minimum quantity of water for the citizens of the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Metro water thus aims at ensuring the creation of a safety net of minimum quantum of water, which will not go beyond a certain level.

 

1. WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Metro Water will work at a strategy that will execute a basic safety net and a drought proofing plan that will ensure a minimum supply of 220 mld for domestic use and 30 mld for industrial purposes at all times, irrespective of seasonal conditions. The plan would involve a judicious combination of strategies for the use of surface ground and recycled water over a period of 10 years.

The following are the highlights of the proposed drought proofing plan:-

  1. A focused Water Management Plan would be drawn up at the end of the monsoon every year i.e. on the 1 st of January such that a minimum level of safe storage is available in the lakes at the beginning of the next monsoon i.e. 1st of October.
  2. As part of this comprehensive strategy, the Chennai Water Supply Augmentation Project I (CWSAP I) has been conceived and is now in the process of being executed. This would involve the transportation of 180 mld of treated water from Veeranam lake.
  3. In order to ensure uninterrupted and exclusive supply of water to industries a Tertiary Treated Reverse Osmosis (TTRO) Plant of a capacity of 50 mld will be put up in the current year.
  4. The water from the three main sources viz., surface water from the lakes; ground water from the well-fields; and recycled water from the TTRO plant would be used conjunctively, alternatively or in some cases exclusively as part of this overall strategy. This would be resorted to in a manner that would ensure that cost and water optimization is achieved.

For instance, when surface water is available in plenty during good rainfall years, this water would be used exclusively so that water is conserved in the underground aquifers.

However during poor rainfall years, water from all three sources would be supplied conjunctively to ensure a minimum level of supply.

  1. Every effort would be made to develop the Araniar - Korataliar Basin aquifer proximate to the city once the consultancy study is over, thereby ensuring a safe extraction of about 200 mld of water. The World Bank sponsored consultancy is in the process of being awarded.
  2. A series of check dams and small reservoirs as envisaged under the Chennai Water Supply Augmentation Project-II (CWSAP II) would be constructed across water ways in and around the city, so as to store rain water and also to recharge ground water.
  3. The tanks and lakes within and around the city like Porur, Ambattur and Erratai Eri among others would be renovated and further deepened to improve their storage capacity. Water from the Kolavoi lake near Chenglepet which was accessed during 2001 for Industrial supply would be added as an additional source. These sources would be used after appropriate treatment for potable use and integrated with the City’s water supply system.
  4. Metro Water will set up a battery of Reverse Osmosis Plants in various locations in the City and the Metropolitan area so as to benefit economically disadvantaged sections. Ten such RO Plants with a total capacity of 100 MLD will be taken up on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis.

In 2001-02, Two Reverse Osmosis Plants installed at Ayodhyakuppam and Kasimedukuppam proved to be an unqualified success and we hope to replicate this in other areas.

  1. It has been projected that by the year 2025, the likely water requirement for the Chennai Metropolitan Area would be in the region of 20-30 tmc.

By a combination of all the schemes as outlined earlier, Metro Water would plan for the availability of about 20 to 30 tmc. of water, and ensure a minimum safety net at any given time.

  1. Metro Water would seriously look into the option of going in for the purchase of bulk water, irrespective of the technology used, through a series of water-purchase agreements. This would make the organisation technology-neutral while going in for these projects.
  2. The Organisation’s proclaimed objective is to ensure 100% water and sewerage connections over the next 5 years in a phased manner. As part of this strategy, affordable costs for low income and disadvantaged groups including slums would be considered.
  3. Metro Water would aim at covering the whole city in terms of households to be covered and not merely streets.
  4. Another proclaimed objective would be the prevention of sewage flowing into storm water drains, river courses, and water ways by carrying out necessary improvement works under the Chennai City River Conservation Project, and other projects over the next 5 years.
  5. The concept of Rain water harvesting would be further popularised, so as to make it a genuine, participative People’s movement. This would go a long way in aiding water conservation.

 

2. DROUGHT MANAGEMENT DURING 2001

The unprecedented water crisis last year, which was the worst drought in recent memory was handled with concern and competence, and earned the goodwill of the people of Chennai.

2. To maintain the City water supply, Government had taken urgent and immediate measures to transport water from sources such as Neyveli, Mamandur, Palur and Kannigaiper by road and from Mettur and Erode by rail. Two Reverse Osmosis Plants of capacity of a 1 lakh litres each to treat brackish water were provided at Ayodhyakuppam and Kasimedukuppam. To supplement the surface water, ground water from 214 private agricultural wells were drawn on hire and linked to the existing system of well fields and an additional about 100 mld of ground water was thus supplied to the City.

 

3. As a innovative measure, for the first time, the water from the Kolavoy lake near Chinglepattu was transported to industries by tankers, thereby ensuring that vital industries remained unaffected during the drought.

 

3. PRESENT WATER SUPPLY

 

Due to the improvement of storage in the three lakes, the supply was gradually increased from 140 MLD in December 2001 to 220 MLD from 12.1.2002. Industrial supply was stepped up to 40 MLD and these levels are being maintained, and will be augmented incrementally.

 

2. Further, to keep up with the increased demand during the summer months, it has been planned to enhance city supply gradually, and maintain the same.

 

 

3.1. TRANSFER OF WATER FROM KANDALERU

 With regard to transfer of water from Kandaleru to Poondi, officials from Metro water and Government had meetings with their counterparts from Andhra Pradesh on 18.12.2001, 06.02.2002 and 21.2.2002. Consequent to this, the repair works on the K.P.Canal were completed and water released on 27.2.2002. The water reached Zero point on 7.3.2002. It further reached the Poondi reservoir on 8.3.2002.

 

4. CHENNAI WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION

PROJECT - I:

 As announced in the Budget Speech of 2001-2002, the Chennai Water Supply Augmentation Project-I for the drawal, treatment, conveyance and distribution of 180 MLD water from the Veeranam lake to Chennai city was administratively approved by Government for Rs.720.00 crores in G.O.Ms.No.105, MA&WS Department, dated 9.8.2001. This has been taken up for implementation by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board.

 

5. CHENNAI WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION

PROJECT - II:

This proposal is aimed at tapping sources of water proximate to Chennai city. The Project consists of the Construction of 4 new Reservoirs at Thirukkandalam, Zamin Korattur, Thiruneermalai and Pallikaranai and 4 Check dams at rivers Koratalaiyar, Adyar, Cooum and Palar and envisages the deepening and desilting of Madhavaram, Retteri, Korattur and Ambattur lakes. An administrative approval was accorded by Government for implementing this Project at an estimated cost of Rs. 493 Crores.

6. MEASURES FOR AUGUMENTING CHENNAI CITY

WATER SUPPLY FROM OTHER SOURCES:-

For a permanent solution to the recurring water problem in Chennai City, the feasibility reports on the possible tapping of water from the River Cauvery at MetturDam, Pallipalayam and Hogenekkal are under the consideration of the Government. A proposal for tapping water from Neyveli Acquifer and to link with the Chennai Water Supply Augumentation Project – I is also under examination.

7. CONSTRUCTION OF A 50 MLD TERTIARY

TREATED REVERSE OSMOSIS PLANT

( TT/RO PLANT ).

It is proposed to put up a 50 MLD Tertiary Treated/Reverse Osmosis Plant at Kodungaiyur to treat the secondary treated sewage available in the existing

Sewerage Treatment Plant at Kodungaiyur and supply this to the industries in the Manali area to meet their growing water demands. The project will be completed in 24 months. The proposed budget estimate for the year 2002-2003 is Rs.80 crores.

 

8. DESALINATION / REVERSE OSMOSIS PLANTS

Metro Water would consciously pursue the policy of conversion of saline/brackish water along the coast and other locations in the Chennai Metropolitan area. Poor quality water in these locations would be utilised as a resource and would be converted into potable water.

2. At present Chennai city has 5 Reverse Osmosis plants located at Nochikuppam, Kasimedu, Kasimedukuppam, Ayothiakuppam, and Velacherry, contributing to the local needs of specific areas suffering from water-stress in times of shortage.

3. 10 more plants of higher capacities, so as to resource atleast 100mld from poor quality water through desalination/reverse osmosis should be installed on a Build Own Operate & Transfer (BOOT) basis.

4. These plants would be located along the coast; in peripheral areas and other areas like Alandur, Pallavaram, Tambaram, Ambattur, Avadi and Madhavaram.

 

9. PROPOSED 530 MLD WATER TREATMENT

PLANT AT CHEMBARAMBAKKAM

In order to treat additional water to be drawn from Andhra Pradesh, an additional treatment capacity

of 530 MLD is proposed to be constructed at Chembarambakkam with assistance from the French Government The proposed Budget Estimate for the year 2002-2003 is Rs.87.00 crores. Tenders received for this have been evaluated and the work is to be awarded.

10. SECOND CHENNAI PROJECT

The Second Chennai Project, taken up in 1996 at a cost of Rs.778.79 Crores is in an advanced stage of implementation. In order to ensure equitable distribution of water in Chennai city, 7 new water distribution stations have been contemplated of which 6 have been commissioned. Work on the transmission mains is almost complete. All the connected works are programmed to be completed by June 2002.

 

10.1 TWINNING CONSULTANCY

In order to improve the performance and operational efficiency of Chennai Metro Water and based on the suggestion of the World Bank, Metro Water has entered into a Twinning arrangement with a well run water utility viz. M/s.Generale deseaux of France. The consultancy works have been taken up at a cost of Rs.26.5 crores and are scheduled to be completed by March 2004.

2. Proposals have been formulated for the refurbishment of the Kilpauk Water Treatment Plant. This will be taken up in the year 2002-2003.

3. Information system and Technology planning (ISTP) is also to be taken up as a Pilot Project to improve Metro water functioning in billing and collection, financial accounting and consumer service monitoring.

 

11. WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

LEAK DETECTION AND RECTIFICATION WORKS

The Board is carrying out a well conceived "Leak Detection and Rectification programme" to reduce the losses in the distribution system. Works are in progress in about 65% of the distribution system where all house service connections are being replaced by MDPE pipes. In addition, the choked up water mains are also in the process of being replaced. The works are proceeding on schedule and to be completed by June 2002.

12. CHENNAI CITY RIVER CONSERVATION

PROJECT

The Chennai City River Conservation Project continues to be implemented, and is proceeding on schedule. The long term objective of the project is to holistically improve the water ways and disposal networks.

2. Moreover, the capacity of the existing sewer system has become grossly inadequate and is in need of major improvements if the discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage into the City Water ways is to be prevented.

 

3. As conceived in order to overcome the above deficiencies, the project is estimated to cost around Rs.1700 crores. The estimated cost of the component of the work to be executed by CMWSSB., is Rs.720.15 crores. Government of India have sanctioned a grant of Rs.491.52 crores and the remaining Rs.228.63 crores would be funded by CMWSSB.

 

4. This comprises of "Interception, Diversion and Treatment of Sewage" in the city and enhancing the capacity of the existing Sewage Treatment Plants. The works are planned to be executed in 16 packages. Tenders have been settled for 11 packages out of 16 and works are in progress. Tenders for the remaining 4 packages are under evaluation. Government of India has released Rs.84.17 crores till date as a grant. The proposed Budget Estimate for the year 2002-2003 is Rs.211.70 crores. The period of completion of the project is 30 months and it is expected to be completed by December 2003.

13. SEWARAGE IMPROVEMENTS:

At present the existing sewerage system covers about 97% of Chennai city. The present level of coverage extends to a total length of 2300 kms.

2. It is proposed to increase the total length of sewerage lines by another 80 kms at a cost of about Rs.12.00 Crores to achieve 100% coverage of Chennai city. Metro Water also proposes to put up 5 new Pumping Stations in addition to the existing 168 Pumping Stations.

3. To improve the environment and the public health status of economically disadvantaged groups residing in slums, Metro Water aims to provide each dwelling with water supply and sewerage connections. To achieve this objective, it is planned to reduce the costs of both water and sewerage connection charges by 50% of the existing rates. The intention is to ensure that every household is connected.

4. The present capacity of the existing Sewage Treatment Plants is 268 million litres per day. This would be enhanced to 532 million litres per day by the end of 2003 at a total cost of about Rs.140 Crores.

5. Another aim would be the total elimination of sewage overflows into storm water drains, river courses and waterways. Punitive action would be envisaged for illegal connections.

6. Metro Water has also proposed to put up a 50 million litres per day tertiary treated Reverse Osmosis Plant for the exclusive purpose of supplying renovated sewage to industries for their cooling and other purposes.

7. The present development of agro-forestry at Sewage Treatment Plants is about 190 acres in the 3 Sewage Treatment Plants (viz.) Nesapakkam (30 acres), Koyambedu (60 acres) and Kodungiyur (100 acres). Metrowater continues to make significant achievements in its commitment to improve the environment by pursuing an agro-forestry programme in the Perungudi Sewage Treatment Plant also as a future plan.

8. Metro Water has also taken steps to promote pisciculture, by utilising treated sewage water for growing suitable varieties of fish, at the Sewerage Treatment Plant at Villivakkam.

 

 

9. In addition raw sewage is also being supplied to M/s.GMR Vasavi Power Corporation in North Chennai. M/s. GMR Vasavi Power Corporation treats the sewage further to tertiary treated level for their cooling and other process usage.

10. Further Metrowater is already supplying secondary treated sewage to M/s. Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd and M/s. Madras Fertilizers Ltd for their use after further treatment in their Treatment Plants.

14. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GROUND WATER

REGULATION ACT

On the basis of clear evidence of sea water intrusion in the Minjur aquifer of the A.K. Basin located North of Chennai, the Government of Tamil Nadu introduced the Chennai Metropolitan Area Ground Water Regulation Act in order to regulate and control extraction, use or transport of ground water. The Act came into force from 15.2.1988 and is being implemented by Metro Water in co-ordination with the Collectors of Kanchepuram and Thiruvallur Districts covering Chennai city and 243 scheduled Revenue villages.

 

2. It has been proposed to make certain amendments to the existing Act with regard to the following items for effective implementation:

 

    1. Strengthening the legal provisions for enforcement
    2. Inclusion of additional villages to the list of scheduled villages in the Act
    3. Revision of existing fine amounts
    4. Making mandatory, the requirement of Rainwater Harvesting in all new buildings
    5. Use of re-cycled water for non-drinking purposes both for domestic and industrial uses
    6. Bringing in restrictions on the depth of bore wells

 

 

14.1. ARANIAR – KORATILAYAR RIVER BASIN

STUDIES

Ground water potential assessment in the Araniar-Kortaliar basin and the environs of Chennai city would be taken up under a World-Bank aided Consultancy and it would be the first of such study in India. Currently about 100 MLD of water is drawn from this basin and supplied to the city. It is proposed to assess whether additional water to the extent of about 300 MLD can be drawn from this source by conducting appropriate Hydro geological investigations and the study provides for introduction of transferable water rights examined in the light of international experience.

15. RAINWATER HARVESTING

As a water conservation measure, Government has given an unprecedented thrust to proposals such as Rain Water Harvesting. Records show that Chennai city receives an average rainfall of about 1100 to 1300mm per annum. Even if 60% of the total rainfall is effectively harnessed, about 1.60 lakh litres of water a year can be harvested in a house plot of 2400 sq.ft.

2. Considering the importance of Rainwater harvesting in conserving the precious ground water resource, the Board has taken the initiative to constitute a fully dedicated "Rainwater Harvesting Cell" The main objective of the Cell is to create awareness and to offer technical assistance free of cost to the residents and also to provide to the citizens 'cost effective solutions'. CMWSSB has created several models, and detailed designs, which are available in the form of brochures, and booklets. In the recent past, we have also tried to disseminate related information through the electronic and print media quite vigorously. An Information Centre on Rain Water Harvesting was opened on 10.8.2001 at the Head Office.

3. Efforts are being taken to convert the Rainwater Harvesting campaign launched by the Government as a people's movement. A number of seminars/ workshops and exhibitions have been organised involving various Government agencies, NGOs and private individuals. As a result of this intensive campaign the Rainwater Harvesting has become popular in Chennai city and the people are adopting it on their own.

4. Realizing the importance of regulatory mechanisms for providing rainwater harvesting, Metro water has made the installation of Rainwater Harvesting structures, a compulsory pre-requisite for providing water and sewer connections for all the new buildings.

5. Adequate information on Rainwater Harvesting like the design of various structures, guidelines, list of resource persons etc. are also available on Metro water's website "chennaimetrowater.tn.nic.in". In Chennai City a total number of 39,485 RWH structures have been constructed by individuals and in Government buildings, as on date.

6. The Metro Water Board has spent an amount of Rs.44 lakhs for implementing RWH structures in public building /premises as models and in promoting Rainwater Harvesting in Chennai city. The Raj Bhavan, the Presidency College, and Lady Willingdon Girls Higher Secondary School are some of the prominent locations where CMWSSB has done Rainwater Harvesting.

7. The momentum of the Rainwater Harvesting movement launched in July-August 2001 is being sustained.

8. During the Financial Year 2002-2003 it is planned to give a further push to the Rain Water Harvesting Movement in such a way that it can act as a measure for drought proofing.