The Hindu : Metrowater plans `rain centre' to propagate RWH

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 22, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai

Metrowater plans `rain centre' to propagate RWH

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI SEPT. 21. As part of its on-going campaign on rainwater harvesting (RWH), Chennai Metrowater is setting up a "Rain Centre" at its Area Office in Anna Nagar and an information kiosk at the Madras High Court premises.

The "Rain Centre" will have a variety of demonstration RWH structures besides information materials on the subject, a senior official of the water agency says, adding that "we hope to complete it in two-three weeks".

To be opened shortly, the kiosk at the High Court campus will be manned by Metrowater personnel during working hours of the court.

Besides, the agency has put up 32 percolation pits and four recharge wells in the area at a cost of Rs. 4.5 lakhs.

Collection drive

Meanwhile, Metrowater is also stepping up its drive to collect water tax and charges. The last date for payment of the tax/charges for the first half of 2002-2003 is September 30.

To facilitate the payment, Metrowater's collection centres are functioning on all days including Sundays.

Besides, the remittance can be made at 26 branches of Canara Bank during the bank's working hours, according to an official release.

So far, the water agency has collected Rs. 50 crores which includes Rs. 19 crores towards `old arrears'. It hopes to collect an additional Rs. 10 crores in the next 10 days.

Last year, the agency netted around Rs. 35 crores but an allowance had to be given for the low collection as 2001 was a drought year, the official points out.

In 2000 when the signs of a severe drought were noticed, the collection during April-September was Rs. 50 crores.

In addition to this, Metrowater's revenue for water sale to industrial units was Rs. 33 crores. "We hope to get Rs. 5 crores to Rs. 6 crores more in the remaining period of this month", the official says.

The release states that demand cards, issued once in five years, were last given to the consumers two years ago.

Those who have not received the cards may approach the Area Offices concerned.

Further details/clarification in respect of taxes/charges can be had from the depots or the Area Offices.

Information can also be had from Metrowater's website www.chennaimetrowater.com and queries can be sent to cmwssb@md2.vsnl.net.in, the release adds.

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