Date:15/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/15/stories/2005071512040300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Desalination plant for Bhimili

G.V. Prasada Sarma

The Rs.11- crore plant is the first of its kind in the State

VISAKHAPATNAM: Facing acute water scarcity and with its infiltration wells turning saline, Bheemunipatnam, the picteresque seaside town, 30 km. from here, is waiting to get a desalination plant, the first in this region.

Bhimili - incidentally the first municipality in the State - has a population of 45,000. Four infiltration wells at its headwater works have turned saline. New wells have been dug at Nagarampalem but they also may turn saline. According to officials, against a requirement of 1 mgd (million gallons daily), the municipality has been able to supply only up to 0.7 mgd.

The desalination plant, to be constructed at a cost of Rs.11 crores, will utilise the reverse osmosis process to desalinate 2.86 mld (million litres daily). Bhimili was chosen for setting up the desalination plant by the Union Ministry of Urban Development as a model project, keeping in view the cost-effectiveness, decided on the basis of several cost-related parameters. Using indigenous technology and microthin membranes, the plant is the first of its kind in the State being installed for public utility, according to sources.

Process expensive

Desalinating seawater with high density of total dissolved salts will be highly expensive. Instead, sub-soil water from wells away from the sea will be desalinated.

The cost of desalinating one kilolitre of water is estimated at Rs.30. Once the financial details are worked out, firms with international reputation will be called for setting up the plant and its operation and maintenance. The operation and maintenance costs are also likely to be on the high side because of the consumables used and power requirements. Over a period of time, it will be handed over to the municipality.

Cost-sharing

The Ministry of Urban Development has accorded administrative sanction to the desalination plant. A project report has already been sent to the Union Government. Initially it has been proposed that the Centre will foot 90 per cent of the cost and the State Government the balance.