Chennai to boost water security with 400 MLD Perur SWRO desalination plant

In a significant step towards fortifying Chennai’s water security,  Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, inaugurated the cornerstone for the groundbreaking 400 MLD Perur SWRO Desalination Plant. The ceremony, reflecting the Tamil Nadu Government’s unwavering commitment to water security, drew prominent figures including K. N. Nehru, Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply, and top officials from the Government of Tamil Nadu, CMWSSB, JICA, WABAG, Metito, and Project Consultants.

Symbolizing a pivotal collaboration, the Perur SWRO desalination plant is steered jointly by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and a consortium comprising VA TECH WABAG (WABAG) and Metito Overseas Limited (Metito), supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This Design, Build, Operate (DBO) initiative spans comprehensive project development stages and mandates WABAG to oversee operations and maintenance for two decades post-completion.

Touted to be state-of-the-art, the Perur SWRO desalination plant boasts advanced desalination technologies, set to produce 400 million liters of drinkable water daily for South Chennai residents. With this monumental stride, Chennai positions itself to become India’s Desalination Capital, generating over 750 million liters of desalinated water each day. WABAG’s pivotal contribution stands at a notable 70% of this figure.

Rajiv Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, VA Tech WABAG, spotlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Chennai’s future as the Desalination Capital of India is now more tangible. WABAG’s increased contribution will symbolize ingenuity and innovation, emphasizing a joint vision for Chennai’s sustainable future.”

Echoing this sentiment on the Perur SWRO desalination plant, Fady Juez, Metito Managing Director, remarked, “This project, embodying Impact, Sustainability, Innovation, sets a benchmark for Chennai and Southeast Asia. As global water scarcity intensifies, such sustainable solutions are crucial, and we’re honored to co-steer this with WABAG, paving the way for a resilient water future in India.”