Chennai's Major Desalination Project at Perur Reaches 60% Completion Milestone
In a significant development for Chennai's water infrastructure, nearly 60% of the construction work on the ambitious 400 million litres per day (MLD) desalination plant at Perur has been successfully completed. Metrowater officials confirmed this progress on Thursday, highlighting the rapid advancement of this critical project located on the East Coast Road, adjacent to the existing Nemmeli facility.
Project Overview and Timeline
Launched in August 2023 with a substantial investment of ₹6,078.40 crore spread across 65 acres, the Perur desalination plant is strategically designed to address the growing water demands of Chennai and its expanding suburbs. Officials have projected that the facility will become fully operational by March 2027, marking a crucial milestone in the city's efforts to enhance its water security.
Extensive Water Distribution Network
A senior Metrowater official elaborated that once commissioned, the plant will supply treated drinking water to an estimated 22.67 lakh residents. The distribution network will encompass areas within Chennai's city limits, Tambaram corporation, numerous surrounding localities, and 20 village panchayats. This extensive coverage is expected to significantly bolster drinking water security, particularly in the rapidly developing suburban regions that have faced challenges in consistent water availability.
Construction Progress and Infrastructure Details
Construction activities are currently in full swing across multiple key components of the plant. According to Metrowater officials, work is actively progressing on the intake structure, outfall tank, dissolved air flotation unit, reverse osmosis (RO) feed tank, RO systems, chemical and administrative buildings, limestone filter tank, product water tank, clear water reservoir, sludge thickener, warehouse, workshop, and GIS station. This comprehensive infrastructure underscores the plant's advanced technological capabilities and large-scale operational design.
Pipeline and Supply Enhancement
A significant volume of the treated water will be transported through a dedicated 54-kilometer pipeline to Porur Lake, facilitating efficient distribution across the designated service areas. The official emphasized that upon becoming operational in March 2027, the Perur plant—positioned to be among the largest desalination units in the region—will substantially increase Chennai's daily water supply capacity. The current supply of 1,236 MLD will be elevated to 1,650 MLD, providing a robust solution to mitigate summer water shortages and drought risks, especially during periods of low reservoir levels.
Strategic Importance for Chennai
This project represents the fourth desalination plant being constructed specifically to augment water supply for Chennai and its surrounding areas. It forms a vital component of the city's long-term strategy to ensure sustainable water resources amidst urbanization and climate variability. The completion of this plant is anticipated to play a transformative role in securing a reliable water supply for millions of residents, supporting both current needs and future growth.
