Waterbodies killed by untreated sewage, says NGO

“According to our calculations, Chennai generates 1500-2000 MLD and out of it, the existing treatment plants have the capacity to treat on 727 MLD. Currently, Metro Water treats only 427 MLD. The remaining 1073 MLD of untreated sewage goes into the water bodies,” said the activist. 

The calculations were done based on the amount of water supplied by CMWSSB and other sources. “80% of the water consumed is sewage generated. Total water consumption (Metro Water - 830 MLD + other sources like bore well - 1611 MLD) is 2441MLD. Based on the above calculations, Chennai generates 1952MLD of sewage,” added Jayaram, whose team conducted this citizen-led initiative. 

A copy of the report is being sent to the CMWSSB and MAWS department for further action. The team also visited the pumping stations and sewage treatment plants. “Chennai has 245 pumping stations, which are manned by a plant operator and two field operators, all of whom should at least hold a diploma. But the stations we visited had personnel who haven’t even passed high school.