General

Tamil Nadu is a rapidly urbanising State. The urban population of the State stood at 27.48 million as per 2001 census, constituting 44 % of the total population. With the growth in urbanisation and improving quality of life, provision of adequate infrastructural services has assumed greater importance. The urban areas of Tamil Nadu are classified, depending upon the civic status, except Chennai Corporation, as follows

Tamilnadu’s water supply depends mostly on rainfall and the state receives an annual rainfall of 958 mm as against the country’s average rainfall of 1250mm

The Government have provided increased allocation in each plan for this sector for the provision of safe drinking water to urban folk. There is significant coverage increase in each Plan period . However,due to the increase in demand, full coverage remains an eluding factor. Among other notable reasons are, over exploitation of surface/ Sub surface water and quality related inconsistencies

The Government have taken appropriate actions for the protection and for increasing the potential of water bodies by construction of suitable recharge structures

 Agencies involved

The task of providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for the entire State except Chennai Metropolitan area, rests with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board. Water supply schemes on a limited scale are being implemented by urban local bodies also. The schemes on completion, are handed over to the respective local bodies for maintenance. Schemes of composite nature covering more than one local body are being maintained by TWAD Board. Here too, the maintenance of the internal arrangements is the responsibility of the respective local body. Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSS Board) is vested with the responsibility of providing water supply and sewerage facilities within the metropolitan area of Chennai

 Funding Agencies

Water supply to urban towns are funded by i) Govt of India, under JnNURM, UIDSSMT, ii) Govt of Tamil Nadu under Minimum Needs Programme ,iii) World Bank aided through TNUDP III, iv) under KfW (German Bank aid ). The local bodies are also contributing from their funds and collecting from the public as well

 Norms adopted

In Tamil Nadu, the following per capita norms are adopted for Water Supply to urban towns

Corporations                 110 litres per capita per day

Municipalities                90 litres per capita per day

Town Panchayats               70 litres per capita per day

 Status of water supply in urban towns as on 1.10.2011

 Achievements during the past five years

 Programme for 2011-2012