Construction of JICA-funded Seawater Desalination Plant Project commences in Chennai

Chennai, August 21, 2023: Construction of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant Project has commenced. To mark the occasion, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Secretariat of Tamil Nadu state in Chennai today.

The ceremony took place in the presence of an august gathering with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Shri. M.K. Stalin as the chief guest, along with distinguished representatives from JICA India, the Consulate General of Japan in Chennai, and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB).

The contract was signed between CMWSSB and Joint Venture of VA Tech Wabag (India) and Metito (Overseas) Limited (Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan are the key shareholders). The project is the largest desalination project in India. It aims to provide clean and reliable water supply to Chennai city through a seawater desalination plant with a capacity of 400 million litres per day (MLD). The novel project will adopt the process of reverse osmosis to desalinate the sea water. This process will enable the provision of potable drinking water to over 2.5 million residents of the city, thereby improving living conditions of the residents, including the economically weaker sections of society as well as the investment environment in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). There are multiple Japanese companies located in Chennai along with Japanese citizens residing in the city, who will also benefit from this project.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said, “We are certain that this much needed project will ensure clean and safe water for the people of Chennai. JICA is committed to working together with the Government of Tamil Nadu to successfully overcome the perennial issue of water shortage in Chennai city. This project is in line with the Government of India’s vision of all the cities becoming more water secure and JICA’s focus on striving for human security and quality growth. We look forward to an expeditious and successful implementation.”

The Chennai Seawater Desalination Project will also contribute towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal-6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

About JICA
Established by law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency and works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, providing assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical cooperation, to enable the emerging countries to strengthen their capabilities.