Tamil Nadu Innovates to Secure Water for Industries

In the industrial landscape, uninterrupted access to power and expansive land parcels with connectivity to transport hubs are pivotal for growth. Tamil Nadu, while excelling in these areas, faces a natural limitation: a shortage of water. To counter this challenge, the state has embarked on an ambitious mission to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for its industries.

The Tamil Nadu government has been proactive in establishing essential infrastructure to support industrial growth. The state boasts a land bank exceeding 45,000 acres and has achieved a status as a power surplus state. However, the provision of water—critical for industrial operations—requires more innovative solutions, given the state’s limited natural water resources. According to the state’s Industries Minister, the government has tasked the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Sipcot) with developing cutting-edge water solutions in collaboration with other departments. Central to these efforts are the construction of tertiary treatment reverse osmosis (TTRO) plants and desalination facilities, designed to ensure a consistent water supply to the state’s industrial sector.

One of the most significant undertakings is the 400 million litres per day (MLD) desalination plant in Perur, which is set to become one of South Asia’s largest. Additionally, the TTRO plants at Koyambedu and Kodungaiyur, each with a capacity of 45 MLD, are already operational, supplying water to key industries around Chennai. These plants are part of a broader strategy to implement water conservation measures across Sipcot’s industrial parks, reducing dependency on groundwater and ensuring sustainable usage. The Managing Director of Sipcot emphasises the meticulous planning involved in developing industrial estates. Water requirements are carefully calculated based on the expected number of units, ensuring that groundwater is not excessively exploited. Instead, water is sourced from nearby surface bodies, such as rivers and lakes, or through treated and recycled water, aligning with the state’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation.

Sipcot’s efforts are particularly visible around Chennai, where 11 industrial parks, stretching from Sriperumbudur to Gummidipoondi, are supported by water from TTRO plants. This water, though potable, is primarily used for industrial processes due to public reluctance to consume it. Notably, only 20-25 MLD of the TTRO plants’ capacity is currently utilised, with plans to extend water supply to new industrial parks, such as the one at Panapakkam, which will soon house a Tata Motors facility. Beyond Chennai, Sipcot is addressing the water needs of other industrial nodes across Tamil Nadu. In Hosur, a 20 MLD TTRO plant at Kelavarapally, which will treat Bangalore’s sewage, is nearing completion. Once operational, it will not only meet Hosur’s industrial water demands but also benefit the entire Krishnagiri district. Similarly, in Tuticorin, a 60 MLD desalination plant is being developed under the hybrid annuity model (HAM) to serve existing industrial units, thermal power plants, and a planned 1,000-acre furniture park.

The state’s forward-thinking approach is further evident in its plans to establish TTRO plants in Madurai and Trichy, with capacities of 20 MLD and 10 MLD, respectively. These facilities will cater to the PM Mitra textile park in Virudhunagar and the upcoming Sipcot estate near Trichy, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s position as a pioneer in leveraging desalination and TTRO technologies for industrial use. As a coastal state, Tamil Nadu’s strategic focus on desalination and treated water has set a benchmark in industrial water management. The state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to drive its industrial growth, ensuring that water, a critical resource, is used efficiently and responsibly.