Question : DRINKING WATER TO CITIES OF COSTAL- AREAS

(a) whether the Union Government has chalked out a scheme to provide drinking water to the cities of the coastal areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether an equity support of Rs.220 crore has been sought for an ambitious 1,750 crore desalination plant project of the Government of Tamil Nadu to end drinking water scarcity;

(d) if so, the response of the Union Government thereto;

(e) the reasons for delay in releasing central equity support;

(f) the details of the desalination plants proposed to be set up along the Corromandal cost, indicating the cities identified for this purpose and the funds earmarked for each plant;

(g) whether any public or private sector unit has been formed to set up desalination plants; and

(h) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD )

(a)&(b): No, Sir, `Water Supply` being a state subject, it is the responsibility of the state governments to design, set up and operate water supply projects. However, guidelines for a new Scheme for setting up of Desalination Plants for Drinking Water supply in Urban Areas of Coromandal Coast will be finalized in consultation with Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): This Ministry has informed Govt. of Tamil Nadu in August 2004 that Govt. of India will favourably consider participation in the project and also extend suitable assistance,if required, for preparation of Detailed Project Report through reputed consultancy organization.

(e): The detailed project report for the project has not so far been received by this Ministry.

(f): The details of towns identified by the States/U.T.s for installation of desalination plants proposed to be set up along the coromandal coast are as under:

TAMIL NADU

1. Ramanathapuram
2. Keelakarai

ANDHRA PRADESH

3. Bheemunipatnam
4. Kakinada
5. Narsapur
6. Machilipatnam 7. Bapata
8. Chirala

ORISSA
9. Puri
10. Konark
11. Gopalpur

PONDICHERRY
12. Muthialpet : No funds have been earmarked for these towns.

(g)&(h): No, public/private sector participation has been formed as yet to set up desalination plants along the towns lying in the Coromandal coastal areas except Chennai. The Govt. of Tamil Nadu had informed that it had incorporated Chennai Desalination Company as a wholly owned Govt. company under the Indian Companies Act for implementation of the Desalination project for Chennai city.