Pondy likely to get first desalination plant

The government would also soon constitute a high-level committee headed by the district Collector and public as members to protect the water resources in Puducherry, PWD Minister A Namassivayam said on Tuesday. The decision was taken in consultation meeting chaired by CM V Narayanasamy on protecting water resources and enhancing ground water level.

It was also advised to desilt the tanks and lakes to conserve rain water and then deepen the channels. The Minister clarified that there is no severe water scarcity in Puducherry as in Tamil Nadu. While water shortage was reported in places such as Rainbow Nagar, PS Palayam, Nettapakkam, and Samipillaithottam, steps were taken to rectify it. A sum of Rs 16.72 crore was allocated to environment department to desilt and deepen 20 lakes and 32 tanks. Of which, the work in 16 lakes and four tanks were completed. The rest would be desilted in another one month for which steps were being taken to float a tender, he added.