The Times of India           05.02.2014

Madurai Corporation to restore water bodies

MADURAI: The Madurai Corporation has planned to take up restoration of water bodies to meet the acute water shortage in the city. According to officials, work would be initiated after government gives a 'go ahead' nod to their project report, which would be sent shortly.

Initially, three water bodies, namely the Madakulam tank, the Vandiyur tank and the Sellur tank, would be restored. Talking to TOI about the corporation's long-term plans to meet the water crisis, A Mathuram, city engineer (in-charge), said, "Water bodies are strength of a city. Initially, the three water bodies and their feeder channels will be restored. Project report in this regard has already been prepared by the corporation. However, the project details would be sent to the government for fund allotment. There are signs that government is showing interest in restoring water bodies."

As the underground drainage channel project has already been completed, it would be easy to prevent the pollution of water bodies and its feeder channels. Moreover, the Madurai Corporation already has a treatment plant, which is an advantage, he added.

Briefing about the drinking water requirement in the city, officials said. "The population in old city comprising 72 wards is 11 lakh and the population in the newly annexed 28 wards is 4.6 lakh. Hence, the total number of population here is 15.6 lakh. As per guidelines the corporation has to supply 136 litres of water per head per day, which means 210 million litres per day (MLD) is required. However, it is able to supply only 127 MLD from two water sources, one being the combined water supply system and the other being the Vaigai Dam.

As a temporary measure, 34 open wells have been identified at various places and their quality is being checked. Water from the wells would be transported by engaging private trucks. Sinking of another 125 bore wells in each of the four Corporation zones is underway, said mayor V V Rajan Chellappa.

Earlier, the corporation had announced that drinking water would be supplied to the residents once in four days. According to the mayor, the present distribution system would enable water supply only up to March.

"Hence, we had to make it once in four days. By this, we can ensure that water from Vaigai can be made available at least till April. This would come into effect from Thursday," he said on the regulations.