The Hindu 19.11.2011
Metrowater services for new areas soon
To retain existing facilities in merged localities
Metrowater to operate 50 lorries to meet immediate requirement in 42 local bodies brought under Corporation limits. — File photo
New localities added to the Chennai Corporation will soon get Metrowater's supply through tankers. The water agency has invited applications from lorry owners to operate trips in the merged areas.
Officials of Metrowater said about 50 lorries would be operated to meet the immediate requirement in the 42 local bodies that were brought under the Corporation limits. To start with nearly five million litres of water per day (mld) would be supplied through water tankers.
“We have identified nearly 15 locations for creating filling points for these tankers. It will be more of a cluster approach in creating filling points and not every area would have one. About 320 street tanks would also be installed in the new wards,” said an official. The mobile water supply is expected to begin within a month.
At present, Metrowater operates 285 lorries to supply nearly 15 mld of water. The vehicles make about 1,200 trips daily.
Local water bodies and groundwater meet nearly 55 per cent of the water requirements of the residents of the areas brought under the Corporation. It was found that some of the erstwhile village panchayats received 60 litres per capita per day (lpcd), much lower than the recommended 135 lpcd.
Metrowater would retain the infrastructure available in the merged areas and add facilities required. Many of them have overhead tanks and priority is being given to complete detailed project reports to cover the localities that are yet to be provided with water supply or sewerage schemes, the official added.
The water agency would also operate 20 lorries for sewage disposal in places that do not have sewer lines. As the process of identifying additional infrastructure to locate buildings is still under way, the officials would temporarily work in the same premises with Corporation staff members.
Consultants
Metrowater is also in the process of appointing a consultant to survey the liabilities and assets of the erstwhile local bodies and for accounting records. This would be completed in three or four months.
