Fear of big gap in city by 2026

Urban areas here could face a significant gap in availability of water by 2026, even after considering ground water sources, wastewater reuse and desalination, according to a XII Five Year Plan draft.

Stressing the need to focus on improving water availability, the report stated that Chennai achieved some degree of success with rainwater harvesting. The thrust needs to be intensified, it said. The report also called for preparing a State-level Urban Water Security Plan to map, renew and protect sources (both surface and ground water) and implement strategies, including river basin renewal and management, ground water replenishment, creation of water grids across the State and creation and rehabilitation of water catchment areas and reservoirs. It also stated that the target is to provide 135 LPCD piped supply in all parts of the city corporation  by 2017.