Chennai Metrowater has resumed its efforts to safeguard critical sections of its historic conduit lines that transport raw water to the Kilpauk Water Works. These conduit lines, established during the British era, are essential for delivering untreated water from the Red Hills reservoir to the treatment plant in Kilpauk. Covering a stretch of nearly 12 kilometres, these three conduits facilitate the flow of approximately 232 million litres of water daily, serving the needs of north and parts of central Chennai.
The oldest conduit, constructed in 1914 with brick, still functions effectively despite its age. Buried at depths ranging from 2 to 2.3 metres, this conduit traverses several areas, including Korattur, Villivakkam, New Avadi Road, and Ayanavaram. The lands surrounding these conduits, spanning around 165 acres, have been under increasing threat of encroachment, primarily due to rapid urbanisation in these regions.
To counter these challenges, Chennai Metrowater has embarked on a project to fence the most vulnerable sections of these lands. The fencing, designed with iron grill structures supported by robust concrete pillars, is currently being installed in areas such as Surapet, Puthagaram, and Korattur. This initiative is a proactive measure to prevent unauthorised use of these lands, which are often exploited for parking, waste dumping, and unplanned infrastructure development by neighbouring localities. These lands were originally transferred to Chennai Metrowater in 1978. An official from the water agency noted that the fencing efforts are being carried out in phases, following a demarcation of the boundaries by the Ambattur tahsildar. Currently, the focus is on securing conduit lines I and III, and demarcating their alignments to ensure their protection.
Progress has already been made, with nearly 670 metres of land near Puthagaram and Korattur having been fenced. Additionally, seven commercial encroachments at Thathankuppam have been removed, reclaiming approximately 0.74 acres of land. Metrowater is now concentrating on a segment near Water Canal Road in Puthagaram, aiming to protect a site of nearly 0.15 acres, with plans to fence the entire one-kilometre stretch of Water Canal Road. Officials have highlighted the persistent issue of vacant spaces over the conduit lines being subject to encroachment. To address this, Chennai Metrowater, in collaboration with the Revenue Department, plans to conduct a comprehensive survey of the lands from Surapet to Kilpauk. The survey aims to clear all encroachments and protect these vital water lines from future threats.
Meanwhile, the reconstruction of the third conduit line between the Red Hills reservoir and Rajamangalam, which had suffered damage, is nearing completion. This project is expected to further enhance the reliability and efficiency of Chennai’s water supply network, ensuring that the historic infrastructure continues to serve the city’s growing demands effectively. Through these initiatives, Chennai Metrowater underscores its commitment to preserving and maintaining the city’s essential water infrastructure amidst the pressures of urban expansion.
