Minjur Desalination Plant to Resume Interim Operations at 20 MLD

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is set to resume water production at the Minjur desalination plant in North Chennai at an initial capacity of 20 MLD, with efforts underway to eventually restore the facility to its full 100 MLD capacity.

According to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) policy note tabled in the Assembly on Monday, a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared by CMWSSB to restore the plant back to full operational levels.

The facility, which was Chennai's first desalination plant, had suffered a significant deterioration in performance that affected both the quantity and the quality of the treated water it produced. Following the failure of the operating agency, M/s CWDL, to undertake required corrective measures, CMWSSB issued a termination order to the firm on September 24, 2024.

Acting on directives from the Madras High Court, CMWSSB officially took over control and operation of the plant on April 1, 2025. Phased refurbishment and restoration works are now being carried out by the water board to enable the interim production level of 20 MLD.

The Minjur plant was originally established under the Design, Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (DBOOT) model and began commercial operations on July 25, 2010. The facility supplies drinking water to northern parts of Chennai, catering to approximately nine lakh residents.