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A senior corporation official said the overhaul will replace 40-year-old pipelines, strengthen pumping systems and remove bottlenecks, helping prevent recurring sewage overflows for residents. The scheme also covers the city’s two main treatment facilities: the 125-mld Avaniyapuram-Vellakkal plant serving southern areas and the 45.7-mld Sakkimangalam plant serving the northern system.
Under this PPP model, which is commonly used by Greater Chennai Corporation, we hope our financial burden will come down and help us take up the work without waiting for the entire funding upfront,” the official said. “The river is even more polluted today,” D Jayaraman, a resident-activist from Arapalayam, said of earlier riverfront works. “Madurai needs at least two additional sewage treatment plants,” he added.
“We are already running on a deficit. Activists say at present treatment and interception remain inadequate, allowing untreated sewage to continue reaching the Vaigai.