The Times of India 13.09.2009
Metrowater to construct sewage canal, 54 MLD treatment plant in Nesappakam
CHENNAI: The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) will construct an underground sewage canal from the Nesapakkam treatment plant to dispose treated effluent directly into the Adyar river. This could help in reducing pollution of the water body.
CMWSSB will also construct a 54 MLD (million litres per day) sewage treatment plant at Nesappakam, adjacent to the present 63 MLD unit that treats sewage from K K Nagar, Saidapet, MGR Nagar, Jafferkhanpet, Ashok Nagar, CIT Nagar and Valsaravakkam.
Metrowater has received funds from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), which will be used to construct the new plant and the underground canal. Construction is likely to take two years and the total cost is estimated to be around Rs 50 crore.
Currently, treated sewage is let out through a canal that passes through a residential area with a population of about 30,000. "The 2-km underground canal will start from the plant and end at the Adyar river. Treated effluent from the three units in Nesapakkam will be let out into the canal and then into the river," said a senior Metrowater official.
The official said that treated sewage did not pollute; it only contained the permissible amounts of biochemical oxidants and suspended solids. "Once the sewage reaches our plant, we chlorinate and treat it. The water is usable and does not stink. The effluent is then let out into the river."
According to him, treated effluent was getting contaminated because sewage was being let out by residents staying alongside the canal. "The canal has been encroached upon. The stench emanates from the treated effluent because of the sewage discharged by the residents. Once the underground canal is complete, there will be no pollution or contamination," said the official.
