The Hindu 30.08.2013
Govt. clears scheme to augment water supply to Kotagiri
The scheme, costing Rs. 10.6 crore, will be implemented by TWAD Board
Taking into consideration the growing needs of Kotagiri, the oldest hill station in the Blue Mountains, the Government has cleared a scheme to augment water supply to its residents and floating population. Estimated to cost Rs. 10.60 crore, the scheme will be implemented by the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage (TWAD) Board by tapping the surface water of a stream near Alakkarai.
The Kotagiri Special Grade Town Panchayat extends over 30.93 sq.ft. and comprises 21 wards. With the population as per the 2011 census being 28,145, ten wards of the town panchayat are now being served by a source near Eelada village, about 10km. from Kotagiri, local streams and open wells.
The other wards depend on open wells located within the habitations.
While the total number of house service connections is 839, private and commercial connections add up to 901.
Since the water from the existing sources is not enough to meet even the present demands and during adverse conditions the per capita supply even drops to as low as 18 litres per head per day, the augmentation scheme had been proposed.
Official sources told The Hindu that in the proposal the projected population of Kotagiri has been taken into account. While it was calculated to be 28,500 in the base year (2014), in the intermediate stage (2029) it would be 30,600 and in the ultimate stage (2044) it would be 32,700.
The Alakkarai source has been found to be perennial with adequate flow even during adverse seasons. The quality of the water was also good. A sum of Rs. 78 lakh has also been sanctioned towards annual maintenance cost.
The scheme would be funded through the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns, the Integrated Urban Development Mission and the local body.
When the scheme is commissioned consumers are expected to get 135 litres per head per day.
The sources added that there is also a proposal to implement an Underground Sewerage Scheme in Kotagiri soon.
