New Plan to stop sewage Outfalls

In an attempt to make Chennai’s waterways less polluted, the Metro water Department has planned to begin its long-pending project which will be supportive in stopping the sewage outfalls. Through this, the volume of untreated sewage released into the river will get reduced greatly.  By adopting this project, the residents who are residing in the residential projects in Chennai will be receiving non-polluted metro water. As per the government record, it is estimated that around 60 million litres of untreated sewage was discharged into the Adyar river, Buckingham Canal and Cooum through 337 outfalls. Such outfalls were identified in nearly 20 areas by the officials of Metro Water department. There are Chetpet, Mylapore, Korukkupet, Washermenpet, Anna Nagar, Chintadripet, Otteri and lots more. It is also revealed that most of the sewage drains are released into the waterways through stormwater drains while some were directly discharged by the residents who live along the banks. But most flat promoters in Chennai try their best by rending their support to the metro water department through their construction of proper treatment plant. 

According to the sources in the Metro water, it is said that these measures have been taken to stop sewage from 179 outfalls by taking up the construction of first phase of the project under infrastructure and amenities fund which will cost around Rs.150 crore. Of them, nearly 120 were released sewage into the Buckingham Canal. About 20% of the project which plugs outfall and enhance sewage collection system has been finished. The government has planned to increase the sewer line capacity so that it matches the needs of expanding population for the next 25 years. Additionally, the officials are spotting out illegal connections along Chennai Corporation.  

Similarly, around 50 of the 219 sewage pumping stations across the metro were planned to improve the project in the way that it takes up extra load of sewage. The government has planned of completing the first phase by the year 2016 since no query or problem has been arised till now regarding the project, it is expected to be completed by the mentioned date without delay by the civic body. The second phase of the project covers the remaining 158 outfalls. The Chennai civic body has invited bids from private sectors for the construction of second phase. As per the sources, the work on the Rs.101 crore phase-2 project could commence its work by next year.