Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project

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Mountain near the hogenakkal falls

Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project

The Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project is a major initiative aimed at providing safe and reliable drinking water to the Dharmapuri district and Krishnagiri district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The project sources water from the Cauvery River at Hogenakkal Falls, a significant water body in the region.

Background

The need for the Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project arose due to the acute water scarcity and the prevalence of waterborne diseases in the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts. These districts have historically faced challenges in accessing clean drinking water, which has had adverse effects on public health and quality of life.

Project Details

The project involves the construction of intake wells, water treatment plants, and a comprehensive distribution network. The water is drawn from the Cauvery River at Hogenakkal Falls, treated to meet drinking water standards, and then distributed to various towns and villages in the target districts.

Components

• **Intake Wells**: Located at Hogenakkal Falls, these wells are designed to draw water from the Cauvery River.
• **Water Treatment Plants**: These facilities are responsible for treating the raw water to remove contaminants and ensure it meets safety standards.
• **Distribution Network**: A network of pipelines and storage tanks that deliver treated water to households and public facilities across Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.

Implementation

The project is implemented by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD Board) with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The implementation involves multiple phases, including planning, construction, and operational phases.

Benefits

The Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in the affected districts by:

• Providing a reliable source of clean drinking water.
• Reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
• Enhancing public health and sanitation.
• Supporting economic development by ensuring water security.

Controversies

The project has faced opposition and controversies, particularly from the neighboring state of Karnataka, which has raised concerns about the sharing of Cauvery River water. However, the project proponents argue that the water drawn for the project is within the allocated share of Tamil Nadu as per the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal.

Current Status

As of the latest updates, the project is in various stages of completion, with several components already operational and others under construction. The state government continues to monitor and expedite the progress to ensure timely completion and delivery of benefits to the residents.

See Also

• Cauvery River
• Hogenakkal Falls
• Dharmapuri district
• Krishnagiri district
• Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board
• Japan International Cooperation Agency
• Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal