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In order to achieve the objectives of setting up of the desalination plants in different coastal towns of the Coromandal coast as envisaged in the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP), Ministry of Urban Development has formulated a scheme and on the advice of planning commission, setting up of desalination plants for drinking water supply in urban areas of Coromandal coast has been included in the new scheme titled Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).
During 2004-05, proposals for setting up of desalination plants were invited by this Ministry from States in the Coromandal Coast viz., Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Pondichery. It has been decided to sanction 50% of the project cost under Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme (AUWSP) and the first instalment of 50% of the Central share is being released wherever the project proposals has been accorded technical approval. Simultaneously, the matter has been taken up with Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance to enhance the Central share to 90% of the project cost in relaxation of the guidelines of AUWSP.
The State-wise progress made in this regard is as follows:
Tamil Nadu: The Revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) in respect of Keelakarai and Ramanathapuram towns in Ramnad district at a total estimated cost of Rs. 20.09 crore was received and the same has been accorded technical approval at an estimataed cost of Rs. 17.41 crore. The first instalment of 50% of the Central share is being released.
Andhra Pradesh: The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh has finally identified only three towns viz. Bapatla, Chirala and Bheemunipatnam for desalination plants. Technical approval to the proposed desalination plant at Bheemunipatnam has been accorded. The proposal for sanction of funds to Bheemunipatnam under Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme (AUWSP) is under consideration.
Orissa: The proposal for installation of desalination plant at Gopalpur. Orissa has been accorded technical approval at an estimated cost of Rs. 4.61 crore. The first instalment of 50% of the Central share is being released.
Pondicherry: The proposal for instalation of desalination Plant in Pondicherry has been accorded technical approval at an estimated cost of Rs. 10.74 crore. The first instalment of 50% of the Central share is being released.
Meanwhile the Tamil Nadu government has decided to implement the 300 MLD desalination based drinking water project for Chennai city on, Design, Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (DBOOT) basis on public-private partnership model and invited tender. Central assistance will be known only after DBOOT tender bids are opened and evaluated.
HRK/Aa
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