Perambalur: The state government in its 2024-25 budget on Monday earmarked `366.50 crore for the Combined Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) in Perambalur. The water supply scheme, using Kollidam river as the source, will be implemented to provide water to about 65,000 people in Perambalur Municipality and SIPCOT industrial complex located at Erayur and Padalur in the district.
Perambalur Municipality, which has 21 wards, has been suffering from water shortage for years.
Two decades ago, the area was dependent on the Kollidam Combined Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) for its water needs. However, the promise of supplying drinking water three days a week was not followed through, leading to severe shortage and distress among residents. Water was distributed only once in 10 days.
In response to the long-standing demand of the residents, the government has allocated `366.50 crore for comprehensive CWSS in the district.
A senior official of the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) in Tiruchi told TNIE, “A new drinking water scheme is based on population growth. We are going to supply 12.34 million liters to the Perambalur Municipality at the rate of 135 per cent. ” Liters per capita per day (LPCD), at a cost of `271 crore. A total of 98,079 people will benefit from this initiative by the year 2055.”
Earlier, based on population, residents of Perambalur Municipality and Kurumbalur Nagar Panchayat were given 3.25 million liters per day (MLD) at the rate of 70 liters per capita per day (LPCD).
Additionally, the project includes a provision to deliver 1.65 MLD to Erayur Industrial Park (at a cost of 58.50 crore) and 2.20 MLD to Padalur SIPCOT Industrial Park (at a cost of37 crore), making a total of 16.19 MLD for the entire Perambalur. Is MLD. The scheme will be implemented in the district soon, the official said.
V Arunraj, a resident of Perambalur, said, “We are happy that our long-standing demand has been fulfilled. We are suffering every day. Due to water shortage, people have organized several protests and demonstrations in areas under the municipality. Roads were blocked, so the government should complete this project soon.” “After the project is implemented, it should be continuously monitored,” he said.
