Residents in Ambattur zone may get relief from sewage woes as Metrowater pipeline project nears completion

Residents of areas such as Korattur and Padi, falling in the Ambattur zone, may get respite from the recurring sewage problems during the monsoon as Metrowater is set to complete a project to replace an 11.25-km sewer main pipeline from Padi to the Kodungaiyur sewage treatment plant (STP).

The ₹106.42-crore project is aimed at reducing the recurring sewage-related complaints in localities that face inundation in times of heavy rain.

Metrowater officials said the 900-mm diameter pipeline, which collected and conveyed sewage to the treatment plant, often developed leaks due to ageing.

Sewage pumping is carried out on a rotational basis to avoid frequent bursts in the pipeline. This in turn leads to sewage overflow, which, along with blockages, have been a persistent problem for the residents of Korattur after every spell of rain.

J. Gopalakrishnan, president, Federation of Korattur Residents’ Welfare Associations, said, “Places like Central Avenue and 18^th Street in TNHB Colony faced sewage overflow and stagnation of sewage-mixed rainwater even after a short spell of rain. Sewer infrastructure on various streets also needs an upgrade.”

Officials said complaints would come down by at least 50% at Korattur and Padi once the work is completed by mid-October. The project would reduce overflow from the Korattur sewage pumping station, which was recently upgraded with an odour-control system.

Nearly 98% of the work to replace the ageing tube with a 1,000-mm diameter cast iron pipeline has been completed. The pipeline, which collects sewage from 18 sewage pumping stations, will have a capacity to handle 30.5 million litres daily.

The pipeline runs from Padi along Inner Ring Road, the Madhavaram roundabout, and GNT Road to reach the sewage treatment plant, officials added. The work began four years ago. It was delayed by challenges such as executing the work across rail lines and culverts and through arterial roads.