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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Kapaleeswarar tank runs dry; locals raise concerns
Chennai: Until a few months ago, even during peak summer, the Kapaleeswarar Temple tank in Mylapore held at least 5 feet of water. Over the past few weeks, however, the tank has dried up drastically, with only a thin sheet of water remaining, raising alarm among residents. Spread across 7.5acres, the tank is 19.4ft-deep, has 36 steps, and features 10 rainwater harvesting points that help maintain water levels. In normal years, it holds water till the 26th step, around 5.1m of water, with levels rising during the monsoon. "Till 1996, the tank would often dry up. But during former chief minister Jayalalithaa's tenure, it was desilted, and the water levels remained good. This is the first time in years that it's gone dry again. It's disheartening to see it in such a state," said M J Thulasiram, a long-time resident of South Mada Street. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Interestingly, nearby Chitrakulam, which once used to run dry, still holds water as it was desilted. Some residents suspect that borewell activity and metro rail tunnelling around the temple might have affected the groundwater table. "HR&CE department, along with PWD and Metrowater, must conduct a detailed study to identify the issue," said another local, K Vasudevan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo On Tuesday morning, HR&CE minister P K Sekarbabu visited the site along with officials from PWD, Metrowater, and Greater Chennai Corporation. "PWD will begin soil testing to assess clay and sand composition. We are also checking the four wells inside the tank. Stormwater drains from nearby streets will be desilted to ensure better inflow," said Mylapore MLA Dha Velu. P K Kavenitha, executive officer of Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, confirmed that she visited the metro construction site. "We haven't reached a conclusion yet, but we are checking all angles," she said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Chennai Metrowater pilots robotic cleaning in sewage pumping stations to boost efficiency and workers' safety
After deploying robots to clean sewer lines in some city zones, Chennai Metrowater is now piloting the use of robotic technology in sewage pumping stations in Thiruvanmiyur. The initiative aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency by minimising manual intervention. The water agency has already added Bandicoot Mobility, a robot that cleans maintenance holes of the sewer network, to remove clogged waste in sewer lines in zone 6 ( 9 (Teynampet) and 13 (Adyar). With robotic devices, which were developed by Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup, helping to reduce clogging of lines for a year now, the water agency is exploring other innovative technologies to improve maintenance of sewer infrastructure. Officials of the Metrowater said an advanced robot with remote control unit and cameras, Wilboar, is being used to clean the sewage wells in Thiruvanmiyur sewage pumping station on a pilot basis. The robotic unit developed by Genrobotics is lowered into the wells that have a depth of up to 10 metre to remove the silt. With high-pressure water jets and grinders, the device grinds accumulated sludge into finer particles and clears them. This would eliminate the challenges in the use of conventional processes, improve efficiency of cleaning sewer wells and reduce complaints of sewage overflow in the pipelines. The Thiruvanmiyur sewage pumping station has a capacity to handle 15 million litres of sewage a day. Such robotic devices are already in use at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, said officials. There are 375 sewage pumping stations in the city. Such robotic devices would be deployed in sewer well cleaning operations in other pumping stations following the success of the trial implementation. Rao, president, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Labourers Union, said it was a welcome initiative to ensure workers' safety and reduce manual intervention. Such efforts must be expanded to densely populated urban spaces and monitored for regular maintenance. Workers hired for sewer network maintenance should be redeployed to other roles. Nearly 2,850 labourers have been hired for sewer and water network maintenance in Chennai.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Over 900 city roads remain pending since 2021, Infra News, ETInfra
Advt Advt On paper, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has spent 1,692 crore on laying and re-laying about 15,100 roads in the city since 2021. So, the city ought to be looking pretty with road-users whizzing around on good motorable roads, right? But, that is not to be. Despite spending a fortune on the roads, the commuters, particularly those in areas added to the city and North Chennai neighbourhoods, get no respite from potholes and battered than 900 roads have not been re-laid at all since 2021. Another 400-plus stretches were removed from re-laying plans during the past five years due to underground works by Metrowater. For the record, of the 18,895 roads in the city, work was completed on 15,107. A total of 2,221 crore was allocated for road projects under NSMT, TURIF, and capital fund from GCC since 2021, and road projects worth 1,692 crore have been grievances galore. Year after year, only the core city areas were given priority, at the cost of the newly added areas as well as large pockets of North Chennai. Several interior roads have been completely neglected and are yet to be sanctioned, despite multiple complaints to GCC. The extended areas suffer the most, with many roads still unpaved despite being added to the GCC limits. In case of complaints, the GCC blames Metrowater or Metrorail for the poor road conditions."The roads were laid soon after the Assembly elections in 2021 but were immediately dug up by Tangedco for underground cable work. After that was finished, we expected the roads to be re-laid. Instead, the Metrowater carried out further road cuts for the drainage system. Although that work was completed last year, the GCC has still not re-laid the interior roads. When we enquired with the authorities, they said the delay of more than a year is due to funds not yet being allocated," said M Karthikeyan of Kottivakkam, where roads were re-laid a decade after being added to the GCC limits."Only about 30% of the allocated funds are used for road re-laying, while the rest is lost to corruption. There should be a road safety audit for GCC roads, like what exists for the state highways. It would help address recurring issues with poor road quality," said G Uma Devi, retired professor of civil engineering at Anna University."The govt has allocated 400 crore for re-laying roads under NSMT and TURIF, and 86 crore has been provided from GCC capital fund. The work is expected to be completed across the city by the end of Aug," said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran."To avoid digging up newly re-laid roads, and since the Metrowater did not hand over some roads after completing their work, we had to drop 425 roads until the 2024-25 financial year," he said. Until Metrowater gives a no objection certificate, these roads will not be re-laid. Chennai mayor R Priya told TOI, "A large number of damaged roads have been identified and re-laid in 2023. At least 6,133 roads were re-laid, especially after Cyclone Michaung. As per the TUFIDCO inspection, many roads do not require re-laying. We have ensured that additional roads have been laid across the city since 2021."Residents and activists, however, complain about the authorities' failure to act during the summer months. The ideal period for re-laying roads in the city is between April and July. However, unlike previous years, Chennai witnessed an early onset of summer this year. The GCC did not re-lay roads during this peak season and instead commenced work only earlier this month, citing administrative delays.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Over 900 city roads not laid since 2021
Chennai: On paper, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has spent 1,692 crore on laying and re-laying about 15,100 roads in the city since 2021. So, the city ought to be looking pretty with road-users whizzing around on good motorable roads, right? But, that is not to be. Despite spending a fortune on the roads, the commuters, particularly those in areas added to the city and North Chennai neighbourhoods, get no respite from potholes and battered roads. More than 900 roads have not been re-laid at all since 2021. Another 400-plus stretches were removed from re-laying plans during the past five years due to underground works by Metrowater. For the record, of the 18,895 roads in the city, work was completed on 15,107. A total of 2,221 crore was allocated for road projects under NSMT, TURIF, and capital fund from GCC since 2021, and road projects worth 1,692 crore have been completed. Yet, grievances galore. Year after year, only the core city areas were given priority, at the cost of the newly added areas as well as large pockets of North Chennai. Several interior roads have been completely neglected and are yet to be sanctioned, despite multiple complaints to GCC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo The extended areas suffer the most, with many roads still unpaved despite being added to the GCC limits. In case of complaints, the GCC blames Metrowater or Metrorail for the poor road conditions. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai "The roads were laid soon after the Assembly elections in 2021 but were immediately dug up by Tangedco for underground cable work. After that was finished, we expected the roads to be re-laid. Instead, the Metrowater carried out further road cuts for the drainage system. Although that work was completed last year, the GCC has still not re-laid the interior roads. When we enquired with the authorities, they said the delay of more than a year is due to funds not yet being allocated," said M Karthikeyan of Kottivakkam, where roads were re-laid a decade after being added to the GCC limits. "Only about 30% of the allocated funds are used for road re-laying, while the rest is lost to corruption. There should be a road safety audit for GCC roads, like what exists for the state highways. It would help address recurring issues with poor road quality," said G Uma Devi, retired professor of civil engineering at Anna University. "The govt has allocated 400 crore for re-laying roads under NSMT and TURIF, and 86 crore has been provided from GCC capital fund. The work is expected to be completed across the city by the end of Aug," said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran. "To avoid digging up newly re-laid roads, and since the Metrowater did not hand over some roads after completing their work, we had to drop 425 roads until the 2024-25 financial year," he said. Until Metrowater gives a no objection certificate, these roads will not be re-laid. Chennai mayor R Priya told TOI, "A large number of damaged roads have been identified and re-laid in 2023. At least 6,133 roads were re-laid, especially after Cyclone Michaung. As per the TUFIDCO inspection, many roads do not require re-laying. We have ensured that additional roads have been laid across the city since 2021." Residents and activists, however, complain about the authorities' failure to act during the summer months. The ideal period for re-laying roads in the city is between April and July. However, unlike previous years, Chennai witnessed an early onset of summer this year. The GCC did not re-lay roads during this peak season and instead commenced work only earlier this month, citing administrative delays.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Chennai Metrowater adds another sewage treatment plant to restore Villivakkam lake, supply recycled water
Chennai Metrowater will add one more sewage treatment plant with ultra filtration unit at Villivakkam by September. This would help rejuvenate Villivakkam lake and supply treated water for non-potable purposes through tankers. The upcoming Rs.17.90 crore plant would align with Chennai Metrowater's mission to shift towards the circular water economy where wastewater is recycled to minimise freshwater consumption. With a capacity to treat five million litres a day (mld) of sewage, a tertiary treatment plant using ultrafiltration (TTUF) is being established to maintain the standard of reclaimed water for potable use. Officials of the Metrowater recalled that the project was rolled out under Singara Chennai 2.0 as part of the restoration plan of the Villivakkam lake. This followed a directive of the National Green Tribunal. Nearly 75% of the work to construct a plant has been completed so far on a three-acre site near the lake. It would collect sewage from SIDCO Nagar pumping station, treat it and use a portion of treated water for gardening. The remaining recycled water would be disinfected by the ozonation process and discharged into Villivakkam lake. Residents of Villivakkam noted that it was a welcome initiative to restore the lake, which was heavily polluted. However, the project to rejuvenate the lake with recreational facilities is yet to be completed. a resident of Sannithi Street, Villivakkam, said the water agency must also improve the sewer infrastructure in SIDCO Nagar and streets like Kulakkarai Street to prevent sewage overflow. The water agency also plans to construct a filling point near the site to supply treated water for non-potable purposes, including construction, laundry and automative washing, through lorries. Listing out advantages of membrane bioreactor technology in the upcoming STP, J.R. Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Hubert Enviro Care Systems, which is implementing the project, said it had more advantages over conventional systems as it delivered better wastewater quality suitable for direct reuse and produced less sludge. This compact technology boasts a reduced footprint, making it ideal for urban areas with limited space. It can be highly automated, simplifying operations and maintenance, he said. The water agency looks to construct more such plants to recharge water bodies and increase the source for domestic supply. There are plans to step up the treatment capacity to 10 mld at Villivakkam in the next phase.
