Chennai Metro Water to Appoint Consultant for 400 MLD Minjur Desalination Plant

Consultant to Prepare DPR for Minjur Desalination Plant

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) will soon appoint a consultant to conduct a pre-feasibility study and prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed 400 million litres per day (MLD) seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant at Kattupalli village in Minjur.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the project in the Assembly, stating that the plant would be established at an estimated cost of ₹4,800 crore. The project aims to improve drinking water supply to north Chennai, Avadi, Ponneri and Minjur.

Chennai`s Current Water Supply and Desalination Capacity

CMWSSB currently supplies approximately 1,240 MLD of water for domestic and industrial use. More than 75% of this supply comes from six reservoirs, including Red Hills, Poondi, Chembarambakkam and Veeranam. The remaining supply comes from other sources, including desalination plants.

Chennai currently has two operational desalination plants at Nemmeli on East Coast Road, with a combined capacity of 260 MLD.

A 100 MLD desalination plant at Minjur is undergoing repairs, while another 400 MLD desalination plant is under construction at Perur.

Minjur Project to Strengthen Chennai`s Water Security

The proposed Minjur desalination plant is expected to strengthen Chennai`s water security by increasing drinking water production and reducing dependence on reservoir storage, particularly during periods of poor monsoon rainfall.

The project will help meet the growing water demand in north Chennai and surrounding areas, including Avadi, Ponneri and Minjur.

Chennai`s Desalination Capacity to Reach 1,160 MLD

With the completion of ongoing and proposed desalination projects, Chennai`s total desalination capacity is expected to increase to 1,160 MLD.

The proposed 400 MLD Minjur plant is a major step towards improving the city`s long-term water supply infrastructure and ensuring a more reliable source of drinking water for residents and industries.

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