CMWSSB Takes Control of Minjur Desalination Plant to Resolve North Chennai Water Issues

24 Aug 2026Updated 22 days ago1 source

AI translation — this coverage was originally reported in Tamil; the translation may contain errors. Read the original reports below.

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has taken full control of the 100 MLD Minjur desalination plant following a Madras High Court order. The plant, previously run by a private operator, will initially produce 20 MLD of fresh water. CMWSSB is preparing a Detailed Project Report to restore its full capacity, which will benefit around nine lakh residents in North Chennai.

NIKAN Intelligence

What happened

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has taken over the operations of the 100 MLD Minjur desalination plant starting April 1, 2025, following a Madras High Court order. The takeover was initiated after the private operator failed to properly maintain the plant, which led to a reduction in water quality and output.

Why it matters

The Minjur plant is North Chennai's first desalination plant and is vital for providing drinking water to approximately nine lakh residents. Restoring it to its full 100 MLD capacity will address long-standing water issues in the region.

What we know

  • The plant has a total capacity of 100 MLD.
  • Initially, it will produce 20 MLD of fresh water daily under CMWSSB control.
  • The plant originally commenced commercial operations on July 25, 2010, under a DBOOT contract.
  • A notice was sent to the private operator on September 24, 2024, before the CMWSSB assumed control on April 1, 2025.

What we don't know

  • The exact timeline for when the plant will reach its full 100 MLD capacity.
  • The estimated financial budget required to execute the restoration works mentioned in the Detailed Project Report.

What's next

CMWSSB is currently preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to fully restore the plant's 100 MLD water production capacity.

Generated by NIKAN's analysis engine from the cited reports only. Nothing here is invented; gaps are shown as unknowns. Always read the original coverage linked below.

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AI translation — may contain errors

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