The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Underground drainage system draws flak

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Friday, Jun 22, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Underground drainage system draws flak

Special Correspondent

TWAD Board clears misconceptions

Sewage output to go up to 14.13 mld in 2038
Project to be completed in 2008

CUDDALORE: The Rs.40.40-crore underground drainage scheme, being implemented by the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board in Cuddalore town, has drawn a lot of flak from the councillors and the public.

While the councillors, cutting across partylines, have voiced doubts over the quality of the pipes being used, the residents are concerned at the slow progress of works.

Tempers run high

During the recent Municipal Council session and the subsequent explanatory meeting held with TWAD officials, tempers ran high among the councillors, including those belonging to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Congress, because they were kept in the dark about the quality of the works and the capability of the contractors.

Municipal Chairman T. Thangarasu and Commissioner R. Rajendran have been, thus, put in a tight spot. The councillors opined that the pipes looked too small to hold the projected sewage load and too brittle to withstand pressure.

With a view to clearing misapprehensions and misconceptions, Superintending Engineer (TWAD Board) V. Dhandapani told presspersons here on Thursday that stoneware pipes as per specifications were being used in the project.

These pipes were subjected to stringent tests in the TWAD Board’s Quality Control Laboratory located at Vilankurichi in Coimbatore, and, met the hydraulic and absorption parameters and were endowed with acid and alkali resistance to the required level

Carrying capacity

These non-pressure stoneware pipes were ideally suited for carrying sewage, but their mishandling would result in breakages.

Trenches of varied depths, ranging from 0.8 metre to 4.8 metres, would be dug for laying the pipes.

In higher depth, sulphate-resistant, reinforced cement concrete pipes would be laid. The size of the pipes was determined to cater to the requirements till 2038.

As per the 2001 census, the town’s population generated 10.09 million litres (mld) of sewage per day.

It was expected to go up to 12.21 mld in 2020 and 14.13 mld in 2038. Of the 13 zones in the municipality, nine zones would be covered in phase I and would be completed in 2008.

The sandy soil in Cuddalore would pose a challenge and if the project were not completed before rainy season, the trenches would get flooded.

Stabilisation plant

The sewage would be collected at the waste stabilisation plant, to be located at Thevanampattinam coastal area, and the treated water would be drained into the sea.

Therefore, unlike in other areas, the treated sewage water in Cuddalore could not be used for irrigation and fish breeding.

Mr. Dhandapani sought the cooperation of the residents and elected representatives for the successful completion of the project.

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