CHENNAI: The State government has granted administrative sanction for two Sea Water Reverse Desalination Plants (SWRD - 60 MLD each) to be set up at Kuthiraimozhi in Ramanathapuram district and Alanthalai in Thoothukudi district at a total cost of Rs.1,355 crore. While the unit at Kuthiraimozhi would be set up at a cost of Rs.675 crore, the plant at Alantahali would be set up at a cost of Rs.680 crore.
During 2013-14, CM J Jayalalilthaa announced in the State Assembly that 100 MLD desalination plants would be set up in these districts. Following this, The TN Water Investment Company Limited (TNWICL), Chennai, was appointed as the consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report on September 6, 2013. The company submitted pre-feasibility report for setting up 60 MLD plant each in both the districts.
The Kuthiraimozhi plant covers four town panchayats, 437 rural habitations in Thoothukudi district and one municipality, one town panchayat and 543 rural habitations in two unions in Ramanathapuram district. The Alanthalai unit would cover 10 town panchayats and 651 rural habitations in 11 unions in Thoothukudi district. The TN Water Supply and Drainage Board has to take action to get CRZ clearance for the project.