Metro Water taps NLC for more supply

The authorities are already exploring possibilities to utilise the groundwater sources. With the Veeranam lake, a major source of drinking water for Chennai, going dry officials had to look at other options, sources said.  Accordingly, the officials have set their eyes on Palavanar river, which is receiving water from open cast mining of Neyveli Lignite Corporation. Officials also claimed that they started drawing seven MLD a day and exuded confidence that the quantum from the river would gradually be increased up to 20 MLD a day in the coming weeks. 

“We approached the Cuddalore district administration and Public Works Department officials to supply water, as Chennai city is faced with an acute by drinking water shortage and obtained permission. Following this, we started tapping water,” said an official of CMWSSB. 

Confirming the tapping of Palavanar, a senior PWD engineer in Cuddalore, told DTNext “We are also helping the Metro Water by stepping up supply from the Palavanar. Water, drawn from the river, is entering Vadakkuthu village through pipes for treatment process, after which it was being sent to Chennai through pipes of Veeranam lake.” He added that they were also using the water for irrigation purpose. 

The measures initiated by officials earlier like renting of borewells, Krishna water flowing into Poondi reservoir has given them the confidence that they can tide over the crisis this summer. “We hope for good rains either in April or May,” an official added. 

Meanwhile, the board denied any contamination in the groundwater due to oil spillage near the Kamarajar port following the collision of two ships. “We have tested groundwater samples in the city and there is no need for panic among the public,” said another official.