Report on sewage disposal submitted

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, SEPT. 23. A proposal to solve the problem of sewage disposal for the Ganapathypuram East area in Chromepet has been presented by the Kancheepuram district Exnora to the Pallavapuram Municipality.

Mr. M.B. Nirmal, founder-president of Exnora International, said that with the advent of flat complexes and multiple dwelling units, the carrying capacity of the soil around the flats had been lost and the soil was unable to absorb the gray water from the apartments. This gets discharged into storm water drains or into roads and open spaces.

The natural gradient from one end of the street to the other, presence of lakes to drain water, cooperation of local residents and a supportive municipal body were assets at Pallavapuram, he said. The Exnora found a low-cost environment-friendly solution to the twin-problems of sewage discharge and inundation of low- lying areas during rainy seasons. This can be achieved by connecting existing storm water channels to the lake nearby and desilting and desludging the existing drain to let water flow freely. The `root-bed treatment' for the drains will allow for treatment of sewage as it flows through before it gets discharged into the lake or canal.

The project consists of a short-term plan for the next 20 years at an estimated cost of Rs. 24 lakhs and a long-term plan for Rs. 33 lakhs. The period of implementation is three months. Funding can be done by the municipal administration, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, MLA and MP constituency funds or the World Bank.

Ganapathipuram Colony, situated south of Periya Eri and Putteri, has a predominantly lower middle class population, the report says. While traces of the canal draining from Periya Eri was noticeable with a defined course. As the canal has encroachments along the way and with no drains in the street connecting to it, the problem was flooding during monsoons every year.

The project aims to remake the main canal, constructing culverts across streets to facilitate water flow across and building road- side drains for taking channeling rain water into the Odai.

Water and Power Consultants, a Government of India undertaking, has provided the topographical sketch. This is based on a survey of Tambaram and Pallapuram areas three years ago and a scheme for sewerage disposal to the State Government was submitted. The report was presented to the Pallavapuram Municipal Chairman, Mr. K. Adaikalam, at a workshop.

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