CHENNAI: Chennai Metrowater has set the ball rolling on the Central seawater desalination plant project in the State, with a capacity of 100-million litres a day (MLD).

It has decided to invite tenders from domestic and international consultancy firms for appointment of a consultant for the project. Bidding documents will be sold from Thursday (September 21) to October 26. The last date for receipt of tenders is October 27.

After the United Progressive Alliance Government [comprising the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam] took over at the Centre in May 2004, it announced that it would implement a desalination plant project for Chennai. At that time, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was in power in the State. Also, by then, a desalination plant project had been drawn up by Metrowater.

The UPA Government's move triggered a political debate between the two principal players but, eventually, the then regime chose to execute the project on its own.

After the DMK assumed power in the State four months ago, it decided that it would seek the Central assistance for a desalination project. Metrowater's present move is a sequel to this.

A senior official says the selection of the consultant will be completed in a few months. The prospective consultant, to be hired for 15 months, will be, among others, required to identify a suitable site for the proposed plant; submit a detailed engineering plan; prepare bid documents for the project and evaluate bids.

Meanwhile, the Government is yet to decide on the first project, the official says. The DMK Government is of the view that the project will be continued upon satisfactory renegotiation of terms and conditions [including the cost of production of water] in favour of the Government. It constituted, in July, a committee of officials to hold negotiations with the project promoter in this regard. Subsequently, the committee too held a few rounds of talks.

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