Rainwater harvesting is set to get an upgrade with the State government deciding to start a movement for long-term conservation of drinking water resources in Chennai.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced in the Assembly that rainwater harvesting structures will upgraded in buildings such as large residential complexes, government buildings and academic institutions. Initially, 15 pilot projects will be implemented in select locations.

Urbanisation impact

There are over 280 water bodies in the Chennai metropolitan area which help to meet the city’s requirement for water. But due to increased urbanisation, the water bodies have deteriorated.

The water resources conservation initiative will protect and conserve these water bodies. Fifteen lakes and water bodies will be selected for upgrading and protection by strengthening the banks, fencing, creating recharge wells and linking rainwater drains to the lakes. This pilot project will be implemented at a cost of ₹ 5 crore, she said.

Sewage treatment

The Chief Minister also announced that a 54 million litres a day sewage treatment plant will be built at a cost of ₹65.97 crore in the southern suburbs of Chennai. This facility will also havecapacity to generate power from waste.

Water pipelines to a length of over 310 km will be added to improve water supply in central and northern parts of Chennai at a cost of ₹116 crore.

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