Tambaram 24x7 Water Supply Project: Phase I to Cover Six Areas

The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd (TNUIFSL) has invited consultants to revise the Tambaram Corporation 24x7 water supply project and prepare the groundwork for implementing its first phase through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The consultancy will update the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared in 2023 for the entire Tambaram Corporation, taking into account the latest population, infrastructure, development, water demand and project cost estimates.

24x7 Water Supply Plan for Tambaram

Tambaram`s existing water supply system depends on multiple water sources and agencies. The earlier DPR identified several challenges, including intermittent water supply, inadequate per-capita water availability and low distribution pressure.

The revised plan will cover the entire Tambaram Corporation, including 15 village panchayat areas that are yet to be merged. Implementation is proposed in three phases.

Phase I – Six Areas

The first phase will cover six recently added areas:

- Sembakkam
- Madambakkam
- Chittalapakkam
- Tiruneermalai
- Perungalthur
- Peerkankaranai

Phase II – Four Areas

The second phase will cover:

- Tambaram
- Pammal
- Pallavaram
- Anagaputhur

Phase III – Village Panchayat Areas

The third phase will cover the 15 village panchayat areas that are yet to be merged with Tambaram Corporation.

Separate financial models and project structures will be prepared for each phase.

Water Distribution Network to Be Expanded

The 2023 DPR proposed expanding Tambaram`s water distribution network from around 1,140 km to 1,502 km. The plan also proposed 117 water supply zones and 156 District Metered Areas (DMAs), compared with 58 existing zones.

The project had envisaged 117 overhead water tanks (OHTs), including 59 new tanks, along with approximately 2.13 lakh house service connections. The existing number of connections was around 51,017.

A SCADA-based monitoring system was also proposed to improve water supply monitoring and management.

Multiple Water Sources Identified

The proposed Tambaram 24x7 water supply project is expected to utilise multiple water sources. The identified sources include:

- 45 MLD from the Nemmeli desalination plant
- 99 MLD from the Perur desalination plant
- 58 MLD from Orathur Reservoir
- 28 MLD from Manimangalam Lake
- 43 MLD from the Palar
- 28 MLD from Maduranthakam Lake

The consultant will assess the adequacy and long-term suststainability of these water sources for the next 30 years.

PPP Model for Tambaram Water Supply Project

The exact PPP structure and financial model have not yet been finalised. The consultant will be responsible for examining the project`s financial requirements and preparing suitable implementation models for the different phases.

The revised DPR is expected to provide an updated roadmap for developing a reliable 24x7 drinking water supply system in Tambaram Corporation.

If implemented successfully, the project could improve water availability, distribution pressure, monitoring and household connections across Tambaram and its newly added areas.