Experts seek review of the proposed 400 mld Minjur desalination plant
Water experts in Tamil Nadu are urging the government to reconsider a new 400 mld desalination plant in Minjur, favoring more sustainable water management strategies. They suggest that rejuvenating traditional water bodies and recycling wastewater would be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Why it matters
This reflects a broader debate on urban water security and the environmental trade-offs of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Water resources experts have urged the Tamil Nadu government to review its announcement of a new 400 million litres per day (mld) capacity desalination plant at Minjur and prioritise sustainable and integrated water management measures.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced establishment of a desalination plant at Minjur at a cost of ₹4,800 crore to cater to north Chennai, Avadi, Minjur, and Ponneri belt.
The scheme is likely to be executed by Chennai Metrowater at the premises of the existing 100 mld Minjur desalination plant. Work is in progress to begin partial operations of the existing plant, which ceased operations in November 2024.
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