Minjur desalination plant to restart at 20 MLD, full restoration planned

Chennai's first desalination plant, the 100 million litres per day (MLD) Minjur facility, is set to restart water production initially at 20 MLD. According to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) policy note tabled in the Assembly, the plant had suffered significant deterioration in performance, affecting both the quantity and quality of treated water. The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) issued a termination order to its operator, M/s CWDL, on September 24, 2024, after the agency failed to carry out necessary corrective measures. Following orders from the Madras High Court, CMWSSB assumed control and operation of the plant on April 1, 2025. Refurbishment and restoration work is now underway, and the CMWSSB is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to restore the plant to its full 100 MLD capacity.