Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan agreement worth 52,556 million Japanese Yen (approximately ₹3,065 crore) to support the construction of the Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant (II) in Tamil Nadu. The Official Development Assistance (ODA) agreement was signed by Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India.
The project includes the construction of a 400 MLD desalination plant along with water transmission and distribution infrastructure such as pumping stations, reservoirs, and pipelines. It also covers consulting services for design, construction supervision, operational management support, and public awareness initiatives.
The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is responsible for executing the project, which aims to bolster Chennai’s water supply infrastructure to meet the growing demand. With a current population of approximately 8.69 million (as per the 2011 census), the Chennai Metropolitan Area is expected to exceed 15 million by 2035, further straining existing water resources. The city’s water demand already surpasses 1,400 million litres per day (MLD), creating a supply gap that affects both residents and industries, including over 360 Japanese companies operating in the region.
Given Chennai’s limited surface and groundwater availability, seawater desalination has been prioritized as a stable and sustainable solution to secure long-term water supply. The project is expected to improve water availability, enhance living conditions, and create a more attractive investment environment in the region.
Takuro, Chief Representative of the JICA India Office, emphasized JICA’s commitment to supporting Chennai’s efforts to establish a resilient and sustainable water supply system. “Chennai has long faced challenges in securing sustainable water sources due to rapid urbanization and climate-related factors. Through this project, JICA is committed to supporting the city’s efforts to ensure a better quality of life for residents and a more favorable business environment,” he said.
This initiative aligns with previous and ongoing international aid efforts, including the Asian Development Bank’s Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program and the World Bank’s Chennai City Partnership Program, both of which focus on enhancing urban water infrastructure.