Tambaram 24x7 Water Supply Project to Be Studied Under PPP Model

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to study the feasibility of implementing a 24x7 drinking water supply project in several areas of Tambaram Corporation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The move comes despite opposition in some parts of Tamil Nadu to the privatisation of drinking water supply. The proposed project will initially cover Sembakkam, Madambakkam, Chitlapakkam, Thiruneermalai, Perungalathur and Peerkankaranai.

The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) has invited consultants to update the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared in 2023 by incorporating a suitable PPP framework.

Existing Water Supply System in Tambaram

According to TNUIFSL documents, the existing Tambaram water supply system depends on multiple sources, including the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD Board) and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metro Water).

The existing system is affected by intermittent water supply, inadequate per capita water availability and low distribution pressure.

Although a DPR was prepared in 2023 to improve the water supply system, it now needs to be updated to reflect the latest demographic data, development patterns, infrastructure status, projected water demand and revised cost estimates. The updated DPR will also incorporate the proposed PPP framework.

24x7 Water Distribution System

The revised DPR will assess and recommend a suitable PPP model for the Tambaram 24x7 water supply project.

The proposed model will cover water treatment, conveyance and distribution from the source, water treatment plants or bulk supply points to consumers.

The project is expected to adopt a District Metered Area (DMA)-based distribution system, which will enable more efficient monitoring and management of water distribution.

Under the proposed PPP model, a private concessionaire could be responsible for project development, operation and maintenance of the water supply infrastructure.

PPP Model for Drinking Water Supply

TNUIFSL has noted that several urban local bodies have adopted PPP-based water supply models to improve drinking water services. Under such arrangements, private concessionaires may be responsible for project development, operation and maintenance.

The proposed Tambaram drinking water project comes a few weeks after the Salem Corporation withdrew an earlier resolution to implement a similar PPP-based drinking water supply project following opposition from councillors.

The revised DPR will examine the feasibility of the 24x7 water supply system in Tambaram, along with the infrastructure requirements, projected water demand, estimated costs and an appropriate PPP structure.

If implemented, the project could aim to improve the reliability and efficiency of drinking water distribution i in Sembakkam, Madambakkam, Chitlapakkam, Thiruneermalai, Perungalathur and Peerkankaranai.