Amazing new plan from WRD in Chennai for the residents!!
Posted on: 15/Dec/2022 9:30:23 AM
The lack of storage capacity in TN has been an issue now!!
The bitter truth is that for the second consecutive year large volumes of water has been wasted as there has been no proper storage capacity. There are not enough catchment areas and reservoirs in TN and due to this water storage this year has been below par despite excess rains.
The WRD or Water Resources Department has now got plans to construct 4 more reservoirs in the state to increase the drinking water storage and to improve sustenance. These new reservoirs would supply drinking water for the Chennai residents. In another 2 years, these 4 new reservoirs would become operational.
In a stone quarry near Chembarambakkam, WRD was able to store 0.4TMC water from the 884 mm rainfall in Chennai. Point is that the WRD ensure that the work regarding new reservoirs would begin this year. There is some issue in funds and tendering process etc and this has resulted in some delay. As Greater Chennai (Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur) continues to receive rains, there has been huge loss of rainwater.
In places in Chennai like Ramanjeri, Nemam, Thiruninravura and Sripoerumbuduir eta, the 4 new reservoirs would be constructed and for that the TN govt has instructed to submit a proposal. In the future, these reservoirs would become some of the main sources of drinking water for Chennai. This was according to a senior officer from WRD. He threw light on how the work would start from next year and how the new reservoirs would become functional within the next 2 years.
It is superb to note that in the future Chennai would have 9 reservoirs including the present dams for the supply of drinking water. The new reservoirs would also play a huge role in preventing flooding during heavy rains. It is learnt that when the water bodies become full then the new reservoirs would hold the quantum before the water flows to Chennai city.
Information is that it would be possible to store atleast 8 TMC water from the existing water bodies in Chennai. In addition, the Poondi reservoir would also be enhanced by 2 feet. It must be noted that Poondi reservoirs stoirs 3 TMC and after enhancement it would be able to store an additional 1 TMC.
The Chennai city received 16% more than the average rainfall during the NE monsoons and WRD was able to store 0.4TMC of water.
