CHENNAI: After the success of rainwater harvesting technique, the government is planning to tap excess rain water let out in the drains by linking them to water bodies.
Chennai Corporation sources told Express that a consultant is preparing a detailed project report so that storm water drains are linked to water bodies.
It is also planned to recharge the groundwater and the civic body has mapped water stagnant areas during the monsoon. “We are looking at how the water can be utilised for ground water recharge,” the sources added.
Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Water managing director B Chandra Mohan told the second regional dialogue of 15th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit that the special grade water treatment plant in Perungudi catering to construction activities would be ready in next few weeks.
The plant, built at a cost of `56.6 lakh, would produce six lakh litres of special grade water per day. “It will help reduce the stress on ground water resources being used for construction purposes. On an average the city requires 20 lakh litres for construction purposes,” he said. While the Centre has mandated reuse of 10 per cent of waste water, he said the State has already pioneered the technology and has even made a policy decision to supply treated re-used water for industrial purposes. Industries in the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor would be provided with such water only, he added.
Expressing concern over the failure of monsoons, Chandra Mohan said the reservoirs are 15 to 20 per cent dry due to lack of rains in catchment areas. As such, the state is now banking on waste water reuse, rain water harvesting and desalination plants, he pointed out.