Thu Feb 06 15:19:29 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu to Install Smart Water Meters to Curb Losses**
CHENNAI, February 6, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board will install nearly 8,000 smart bulk water meters across the state starting April 2025. This ₹239.89 crore project, part of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aims to improve water distribution efficiency and reduce losses due to leaks and theft.
The first phase will focus on 97 JJM schemes across 15 districts, including Cuddalore, Thanjavur, and Coimbatore. The meters will be installed in underground storage sumps, pipelines, and overhead tanks to monitor water flow in real-time. Data will be sent to a central monitoring system to track water usage and identify discrepancies.
Currently, the TWAD Board supplies nearly 2,286 million liters of water daily to 45.3 million people through 554 schemes. While the production cost is ₹20 per kiloliter, the board incurs an annual revenue deficit of ₹150 crore due to the difference in water charges (₹14.18/kl for rural areas and ₹16.8/kl for urban areas). The smart meters are expected to improve billing accuracy and help reduce this deficit.
The project is expected to be completed within a year, with a subsequent expansion to cover all 544 JJM schemes across the state. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to efficient water management and the reduction of water waste.
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