Storage capacity still marginal in lakes, say CMWSSB officials

After north-east monsoon hit the state, there were heavy spells of rains for several days in the city. However, the metro lakes did not receive rainwater, as the Thiruvallur district, where main lakes like Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs are located had received less rainfall. 

S Vijayakumar, Executive Engineer, Kosasthalaiyar division, said that excessive water from Andhra Pradesh is continuously flowing into Poondi reservoir, increasing storage capacity. “Now the level in Poondi reservoir is nearing about one tmc and continuous inflow will further increase in the coming days,” he said and added that they are also planning to divert water to other waterbodies. 

Meanwhile, officials from CMWSSB assured that they would increase water supply to the residents. 

“We earlier supplied around 400 MLD of water against prescribed 830 MLD. Now, water supply increased to 500 MLD and we will still increase it to 700 MLD in the coming days,” said an official with CMWSSB. He added that they would start drawing water from Chembarambakkam and RedHills lakes to meet the demand.