Latest news with #Metrowater
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Metrowater to launch smart water ATMs at 50 key locations like Marina in a few days
To improve access to clean drinking water, Chennai Metrowater will launch smart water ATMs at 50 key locations across the city in a few days. The water ATMs, which are equipped with IoT based technology, are being installed at key public gathering points to dispense drinking water free of cost during the first phase. Some of the areas chosen for the water ATMs include Santhome, Marina beach, Foreshore Estate, Perambur, Pondy Bazaar, Anna Nagar and Kodambakkam. Officials of the Metrowater noted that the Rs.5 crore project aimed at ensuring better access to clean drinking water in high-footfall places like railway stations and parks. These automated water dispensing units integrated with reverse osmosis and ultra filtration systems will allow users to fill one-litre bottles or 150 ml containers. They have a storage capacity varying from 3,000 litres to 9,000 litres. When the water level in the smart water ATMs reduces drop, Metrowater engineers in the respective localities will receive alerts about refills. These units are supplied with water through pipelines, street tanks or tankers depending on the location and availability, said officials. The water agency is yet to decide on operating the ATMs round the clock. 'We are also installing surveillance cameras near the units to monitor safety and timely repair for uninterrupted service,' said an official. The project is likely to be expanded to more places depending on the people's response.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Release water at 500 cusecs: TN to Andhra Pradesh
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) has asked Andhra Pradesh govt to release water from Kandaleru reservoir at 500 cubic feet per second (cusecs), up from the current 375 cusecs. Initially, Andhra Pradesh was releasing water only at 60 cusecs, gradually ramping up over recent weeks. During a recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, WRD officials reiterated their demand, citing the rising water needs of Chennai and its suburbs. The Sai Ganga Canal, which conveys the water, can handle up to 1,000 cusecs, making the requested increase feasible. WRD estimates that of the 500 cusecs released, around 480 cusecs will reach the zero point after accounting for evaporation losses. Chennai's water supply remains stable, bolstered by steady inflow from key sources, including the Veeranam tank in Cuddalore, contributing to the city's daily supply of 1,050 million litres via Metrowater. In the past three years, Metrowater did not rely on alternative reserves such as the Sikkarayapuram and Erumaiyur quarries or agricultural wells in Tiruvallur, thanks to favourable monsoons. The recent northeast monsoon added significant rainfall, delaying any need to tap into reserves. As of Tuesday, the Poondi reservoir holds 1,569 million cubic feet (mcft) against its full capacity of 3,231mcft. Water from Kandaleru is expected to continue flowing until next year, with officials hopeful that the next monsoon will further replenish storage. Part of the Telugu Ganga Project, the Kandaleru reservoir remains crucial to Chennai's long-term water security. WRD maintains that raising the discharge to 500 cusecs is essential to ensure uninterrupted supply in the coming months.
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Chennai's Ennore: Where industrial growth has made life difficult for residents
'Don't ask what problems Ennore has — ask what problems it doesn't have,' says a resident, beginning a long conversation about the area he loves, yet hates to see becoming increasingly unlivable day by day. A highly industrialised region of north Chennai, Ennore and its coastal areas have been bearing the brunt of pollution and its impact for several decades. Residents struggle with pollution on a day-to-day basis, but it gains widespread attention only when a major incident occurs. For example, in December 2023, Ennore witnessed two massive environmental hazards that reflected the residents' decades-long struggles: an oil spill from a public sector refinery during Cyclone Michaung, and an ammonia leak from a fertiliser manufacturing unit. K. Devaki, who has been living in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar since 1975, said that when she first moved to the area, the water quality was very poor, and she had to fetch water from two kilometres away. 'If you take a look at the teeth of my son and daughter, you will understand the impact of polluted water; it turned yellow due to excessive fluoride in water. We struggle with hairfall too. Due to constant inhalation of polluted air, thanks to industrial emissions, many of us have developed breathing difficulty and respiratory issues,' said the 69-year-old. Bhagathsingh, a resident of Ulaganathapuram in Ennore, said their experiences with pollution seem endless — whether it is fly ash from thermal power plants, ammonia leaks from the undersea pipeline of the fertiliser company, or, most recently, yellow and orange residue observed in the backwaters, likely some kind of effluent. 'While industrial development progressed rapidly in and around Ennore, improvements in basic amenities, infrastructure, and transport did not happen at the same pace for residents. This lackadaisical attitude exists largely because Ennore is home to a working-class population. The second generation of families in Ennore is slowly moving out to the city, with pollution being the main factor. Industrial pollution has impacted the health of many,' he said. A number of residents said they were even thinking of selling their houses and moving to a safer place. Manohar, a resident of Nehru Nagar in Ennore, said that air and water pollution remains the top two concerns for residents. 'There used to be dust emissions from factories in the morning and smoke billowing out of chimneys at night. The effluents from factories have been causing health issues,' he said, adding that the groundwater is unfit for drinking in many parts of Ennore. Like Mr. Manohar, several residents of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar noted that while they rely on Metrowater supply for drinking purposes, the groundwater cannot be used even for bathing. 'Sometimes, if we keep the water in a container, we can see a layer of oil on top of it,' a resident pointed out. Loss of livelihood Fishermen from a number of villages rely on the Ennore creek and backwaters — the point where Kosasthalaiyar river, North Buckingham canal, and the sea confluence — for their livelihood. Fisherfolk say that this was once a thriving marine ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity. But industrial pollution has had devastating effects on the creek, thereby affecting fisheries. A resident of Nettukuppam alleged that some industries were discharging industrial waste and hot water into the Ennore creek, destroying marine life and the livelihood of the fisherfolk. 'Who is bothered? No one seems to worry about us or the worsening environment here,' he said. The State government should at least intervene and help the fisherfolk, he urged. D. Venkatesan, a fisherman from Ennore Kuppam, said that Ennore's waters used to be a thriving region for fish, prawns, and crabs but it is no longer so. 'The Ennore creek, which used to be a fishing ground rich in marine life, is suffering due to pollution. Earlier, most fisherfolk used to make a profit of at least ₹1,000 a day but now, many are unable to even meet the expenses. An entire area is being destroyed, and nobody cares. Nearly 13 to 14 fishing hamlets are going through untold misery,' he lamented. With their livelihoods in question, he said some fisherfolk have turned to daily wage jobs. 'It was in the 1990s that permanent jobs at the thermal station were given to residents. Despite the expansion, no permanent jobs have been offered in the years since. We have been continuously demanding permanent jobs and regularly holding meetings with government officials. But they are willing to offer only contractual work. A few from our area have been engaged in cleaning jobs at one of the units. Shouldn't the government step in and provide permanent jobs for the affected people?' he asks. Pointing to a video taken in the backwaters near the Ennore bridge, he said that some kind of a chemical was being discharged into the North Buckingham Canal, turning the water yellowish. 'We complained to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Though they visited the site and lifted samples, nothing has been done so far. Many residents of Ennore raised the need for stringent monitoring to ensure that industries adhered to norms. 'Industries should be monitored to ensure that they follow pollution control norms,' Mr. Bhagathsingh demands. He also raised the need for a complete health screening for residents of Ennore to assess the impact of industrialisation and pollution on their health. Member of Parliament (Chennai North) Kalanidhi Veeraswamy said they have held meetings with companies in and around Ennore and have asked them to set up air quality monitors, including at traffic junctions, where the air quality levels could be displayed. He added that improvement works, including the desilting of Kosasthalaiyar, are in progress.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Metrowater to roll out one lakh smart meters for consumers soon
Chennai: Metrowater is finally set to roll out smart water meters for its consumers, with preparations underway to issue the work order that will allow the selected contractor to begin installations for the long-pending project. In the first phase, one lakh smart meters will be installed, targeting houses and flats measuring more than 2,500 square feet. Other consumers will gradually be brought under the system in subsequent phases. Currently, Metrowater operates with 1,200 mechanised meters, which present practical difficulties in reading data—especially when property owners are away from home for extended periods. Additionally, households without meters are charged a flat rate of just 80, regardless of consumption. This has created two major challenges: unquantified water usage in large complexes and significant revenue losses due to undercharging. Both issues are expected to be addressed with the implementation of smart meters, which will provide precise consumption data. "Smart meters will bring multiple benefits, including improved equity and adequacy in water distribution across the city. The digital nature of the meters ensures accurate billing and encourages accountability among users—empowering them with insights into their usage and helping detect leaks or wastage promptly," said a senior Metrowater official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise infrastructure and improve public utility services. Officials are optimistic that the move will not only streamline operations but also promote better conservation and sustainable use of water resources over time. Chennai Metrowater currently supplies around 1,100 million litres of water daily to its consumers, up from 1,011 million litres on the same day last year, according to available data.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Metrowater tanker operators to strike work from tomorrow
Chennai: Metrowater tanker operators are set to launch a strike starting this Sunday, protesting the delay in finalizing tenders and issuing work orders. P S Sundaram, president of Metrowater Tanker Owners' Association, said that around 450 tankers of varying capacities currently operate under contract with Metrowater. The last tender period ended in Feb last year. Though officials promised to call for fresh tenders by Aug 2024 and reportedly completed the tender process by Nov, no work orders have been issued so far. This prolonged inaction has forced many tanker owners into debt, as several of them purchased new vehicles in anticipation of renewed contracts. With no official communication from Metrowater, over 350 newly acquired vehicles are lying idle in sheds across the city. "The inaction not only left many contractors in a financial bind but also led to issues in the new vehicles that haven't been operated for months," said one of the contractors. He added that in June last year he purchased a tanker, which has now developed a fault despite being unused. "Even the manufacturer is unable to identify the issue," he said. On average, each tanker operates up to eight trips a day, supplying water to areas without piped water. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo "If the strike goes ahead, it will directly affect those who depend on Metrowater's free water supply," said a senior Metrowater official. With no response from the authorities, the association has announced that tanker operations will be suspended starting June. Unless swift action is taken, the worst-hit will be households relying on govt's free tanker service, operators said.
