The project to construct a second desalination plant in Nemmeli has reached a significant stage, with the pipeline to discharge waste water from the facility being laid recently. Having completed the complicated part of the project, Chennai Metrowater is confident it can commission the plant within the stipulated schedule, in September this year.
According to sources in VA Tech Wabag, the firm entrusted with the project, the 1,200-mm dia pipeline, running for a distance of 750 metres, was towed into the sea and aligned using marine equipment. The pipeline is made of high density polyethylene, which is non-corrosive, and was sunk 1.5 metres below the seabed level. It took two days for the task to be completed.
This is regarded to be a crucial part of the project, as it involved dredging into the sea and working around sea conditions. With the laying of the separate pipeline to draw seawater and discharge brine completed, remaining work can be completed on time, sources said.
Sources in Metrowater said a total of 265 million litres a day of seawater would be drawn, to obtain 100 mld of treated water. Excess waste water would be discharged through the pipeline.
Dispersion unit
A dispersion unit would soon be erected to discharge brine in different directions under the seabed level. Work is now on to link the pipeline with the plant. Only 15 per cent of the project needs to be completed, officials added. The project, worth Rs. 533.38 crore, would be commissioned on a trial basis in four months.
Metrowater is also implementing a project to lay a 66-km-long pipeline from the plant to supply drinking water to the southern parts of the city. The water would be fed into underground sumps in Akkarai, Pallipattu, Thiruvanmiyur, Velachery and Kelambakkam and from there, would go to surrounding areas. Work on this will be completed by the end of June.
