Sediment removal task in the Chennai drinking water reservoirs at full swing
Posted on: 04/Jun/2019 12:22:26 PM
Even as the 4 major sources of drinking water supply for the Chennai Metro City, the lakes at Chembarambakkam, Poondi, Puxhal, and Cholavaran have gone completely dry, the task removing all the unwanted sediments in these lakes is intensified and is in full swing.
As the acute shortage for drinking water prevails on one side, on the other side, the tasks of increasing the capacity of these reservoirs before the onset of the monsoon rainy season and also to increase the amount of groundwater in these lakes, the agricultural organisations and the public had appealed for the removal of the sediments in these reservoirs and complete cleaning-up.
Based on the above appeal, the Public Works Department (PWD) has commenced the tasks of sediment removal, setting up and repairing the partitions/dams/moats, strengthening the banks, paving the roads, etc.
In the 4 major water reservoirs supplying water to the Chennai Metro City, Poondi, Cholavaram, Puzhal, and Sembarambakkam, green grass has grown long and aplenty in the completely dry base! The cattle enjoy them as their primary food. Thus, the water reservoirs have a present look of a cattle-farm!
At the same time, activities are afoot to bring water from the agricultural fields wells nearby the Poondi reservoir.
Presently, 1.5 TMC water is being supplied since last month from the stone quarries located at Chikkarapuram near Porur. However, the water has fast dried up here as well! So, water can be taken only for the next few days!
As an alternative, the task of installing large pipes to take water from the stone quarries locates at Yerumaiyur near the Chembarambakkam reservoir.
The task of removing sediments from the Puzhal reservoir is in progress at a cost of Rs. 173.51 Crores.
The above information has been shared by the PWD and CMWSSB officials.
