Water from Veeranam lake may reach Chennai in 2 days

Chennai: Once parched, Veeranam lake is now brimming to attain its full capacity leaving water managers in the city on cloud nine. Water to Chennai from the lake is expected to be released in the next couple of days, while Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has accelerated cleaning works in Kilpauk water treatment plant where water will reach for treatment process.

Officials said they would reduce tapping water from lakes like Chembarambakkam and Red Hills once Veeranam water reached Chennai.
Sources said that ever since the Stanley reservoir in Mettur was filled with Cauvery water, the CMWSSB officials were hopeful of getting water from Veeranam lake. They have started flushing mucky water to receive fresh water.

Speaking to DC, S Arunagiri, a PWD engineer, Chidambaram, said “we have received communication from CMWSSB that cleaning process is going on and we are expecting another communication to tap water from Veeranam lake soon. Since the lake is filled with Cauvery water, the officials can anytime pump water to Chennai for drinking water purpose.”

 Meanwhile, CMWSSB is getting ready to receive water. “We are in the process of flushing dirty water on Kilpauk treatment plant premised. We will complete it in a couple of days, after which water will be released from Veeranam lake,” said an official, adding that about 180 MLD of water would be transported to tackle the water crisis in the city.

 Another official said that tapping of water from Chennai lakes would be reduced. “As of now, the total storage in four lakes is 1,533 million cubic feet, which will be enough for one and half months to meet the need of drinking water supply. Release of water from Veeeranam lake will be a shot in the arm for us and we will slightly reduce pumping water from lakes,” the official noted.