Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence launches Chennai Water Sustainability Assessment Report

The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE), a joint research initiative of Mahindra Lifespaces® and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), has launched a report highlighting the potential water challenges in Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA).  The report was launched at a virtual event attended by Dr. T. Prabhushankar, I.A.S. Executive Director, Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Mr. Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Mr. Viral Oza, Chief Marketing Officer, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., and other expert panelists.

Sustainable water use in habitats is one of the key areas of research of The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE), which aims to develop science-based solutions for India’s built environment.  The report follows a unique, integrated, ‘One Water’ methodology that incorporates multiple aspects of water systems - such as stormwater, wastewater, and water supply networks - to recommend best practices for holistic urban water management. * 

Speaking at the launch of the report, Mr. Viral Oza, Chief Marketing Officer, Mahindra Lifespaces, said, “Water conservation and management are priorities for Mahindra Lifespaces across our residential and industrial projects pan India.  More than 1 million litres of water are saved annually across our residential projects through rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plants, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and regular recycle and reuse.  We hope this assessment report will enhance awareness of present and future water challenges facing stakeholder communities across Chennai; and spur action to secure water sustainability in the city.”

Mr. Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), said, “Current climate change and population growth trends indicate that by the year 2025, the inhabitants of Chennai would be faced with multiple water crises. Compounded by extreme weather events and developmental activities, it is projected to result in widespread flooding, pollution, and a shortage of potable water. This report on 'Water Sustainability Assessment of Chennai Metropolitan Area' aims to provide a way forward to overcome these challenges with the objective of sensitizing all stakeholders including citizens on the aspects of water sustainability.”

Key report findings:

-           Considering the current urban growth trend in Chennai, the city’s built-up area is estimated to increase to 708.3 km2 in 2025, or thrice the area in 1997.  At the same time, the city’s water bodies are expected to shrink to 38.4 km2 by 2025, or one-third of their coverage in 1997.

-           The region is expected to experience an unpredictable pattern of rainfall over the coming years due to changing climate, extreme El Nino conditions, and continuous warming of the Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast, thus making it difficult to predict the rainfall intensity and period.

Chennai faces a significant risk of pollution of its natural waterways. The quantity of wastewater generated in Chennai is estimated to increase to 1,789.2 MLD by 2025.

Key report recommendations for sustainable water management in CMA:

-           Propagation and adoption of water conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and reuse, to meet the rising water demand due to rapid demographic changes

-           Developing policies and designing measures towards protecting the region’s ecosystems to strengthen both natural and urban water flow systems

-           Identifying and filling up data gaps related to groundwater availability, extraction and use by conducting detailed surveys

-           Strengthening of the water governance structure and administration; establishing a transparent and participatory mechanism through capacity building and training programmes

The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence leverages state-of-the art research techniques, tools, and performance measurement solutions to boost the development of green buildings in India.  The joint research initiative is working towards developing open-source and science-based solutions for India’s real estate sector.