Trial run of Minjur desalination plant support facilities inaugurated

June 3, 2010 - THE HINDU

Chennai Metrowater on Wednesday launched the trial run of the support infrastructure that it has created for the 100 million litres per day capacity desalination plant at Kattupalli, near Minjur.

Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the trial run of the facilities, including a 38 km-long pipeline to convey the treated water to the city, underground sumps and pumping stations in areas such as Manali and Madhavaram.

The work was taken up by the Metrowater under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

To be ready by month-end

The desalination plant is expected to be ready by this month-end. Chennai Water Desalination Limited (CWDL) is implementing the project on DBOOT (Design, Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) basis. It has started the preliminary works for performance test of the plant, according to a press release.

The requisites for the test include operation of the plant continuously for nearly 100 hours and whether the quality of the treated water is as per the agreement with Metrowater.

Representatives of ILF Mantech Consortium, an independent consultant that is monitoring the work, and Metrowater would certify the performance of the plant after which the treated water would be supplied to the city.

Mr.Stalin had laid the foundation stone for the plant in February 2007. Metrowater had entered into agreement with CWDL for bulk purchase of water for 25 years.

Municipal Administration and Water Supply Principal Secretary Niranjan Mardi and Chennai Metrowater Managing Director Shiv Das Meena were present when the trial run was launched.