SCZMA clears decks for 150 MLD desalination plant at Nemmeli

The decision to this effect was taken at the 95th meeting of SCZMA subject to some conditions according to the minutes of the meeting which DT Next had access to. 

At the same time, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), which is to execute the project, had extended the deadline for the submission of tenders till Aug 31 to design, build, operate and maintain the plant for 20 years.

The conditions laid out were earlier detailed during a meeting held in Jan 14, last year, besides preparation and implementation of turtle conservation plan. A system shall be evolved for a close and continuous monitoring during the construction and post-construction phases through reputed institutions such as National Center for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Anna University, Chennai/ NIOT, Chennai/IIT Chennai. 

Periodical report shall be submitted to the SCZMA on the site conditions every year so as to take mitigation measures on the event of any adverse impacts on the coast,  one of the primary conditions listed out by the SCZMA read. “Impact on the corals, marine organisms, turtle nesting etc., due to constructions, in long run, should be evaluated and monitored through experts, in which, ecologists should be included. The proposed activities should not cause coastal erosion and alter the beach configuration. 

Untreated chemical waste generated due to membrane protection activity and the sewage generated should not be discharged into the sea besides preventing saline water from gaining access into ground while conveying or processing the sea water. It may be ensured that mercury concentration is not present in the end product”, are among other conditions laid out. Earlier, CMWSSB’s project with an outlay of Rs. 2891.70 crores drew flak from MoEF. The earlier proposal was returned to SCZMA raising a host of environmental issues besides refusing the CRZ nod by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEF.