CMRL proposes to set up new STP, artificial aquifer

A feasibility study will be conducted to undertake the aquifer project. We have invited experts to carry out the study, said a senior official with the CMRL. As far as the STP, this is the second one and will be thrown open in couple of months, he added. 

The artificial aquifer will facilitate storage of excess groundwater and the officials are planning to use it for maintenance of trains. “An artificial aquifer is a simple storage unit to store the excess ground water. This unit will prevent the runoff water from evaporating,” the official said. 

This step will help the Metro rail to cut nearly 50 per cent water supply, claimed officials. The CMRL consumes nearly 1.5 lakh litres of water for its operation every day. 

Meanwhile, the existing STP inside the Koyambedu premises will also be expanded in another two months. An anaerobic sewerage treatment system, which breaks down microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, produces 75,000 lakh litres per day as of now. It was installed last year. The treated water is being utilised for gardening and air-conditioning systems currently. The Metro is likely to install a new STP at the Airport station too.