CHENNAI : A Rs.322-crore water distribution network improvement project in Chennai has received the nod of the Union Urban Development Ministry under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

Under the project, five water distribution zones — Anna Poonga (Royapuram), Triplicane, Kilpauk, K.K. Nagar and Southern Headworks in Nungambakkam — will be covered. As part of this component, pipelines will be replaced. In addition, replacement of pumpsets and increase in storage of underground reservoirs/overhead tanks in four distribution stations — Anna Poonga, Kilpauk, K.K. Nagar and Southern Headworks — will be taken up. Of three conduits from Red Hills to the Kilpauk water treatment plant, two fresh conduits will be laid and repair works carried out on the remaining one. Aimed at ensuring equitable distribution, the project is likely to be completed in two years.

A team of officials led by Managing Director Shivdas Meena made a presentation before the Union Ministry's high-powered committee [that sanctions projects] in New Delhi on Friday.

A senior Government official says the committee has approved the Metrowater's project in principle. The Ministry is likely to release funds to the State Government shortly.

As for funding, the Centre's contribution is 35 per cent and the State Government's 15 per cent. Metrowater has planned to meet the remainder through internal resources and borrowing. It has tied up with Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation for the loan component. Chennai has a total of 16 water distribution zones and stations. Those not covered under the JNNRUM were taken up under the projects assisted by the World Bank and Housing and Urban Development Corporation.

IT corridor

Metrowater has also approached the Centre for laying water and sewer infrastructure on the Information Technology corridor, which is under construction, for inclusion under the JNNRUM. It has estimated that the work will cost Rs. 38 crore, for which it has floated tenders. The official hopes the Centre will approve the work soon.

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