The construction of permanent Decentralised Packaged Drinking Water Plants (DPCs) in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, is nearing completion, aiming to address the long-standing issue of fluoride contamination in groundwater. The project, initiated under the Jal Jeevan Mission, involves building 75 DPCs across the district, with 68 already completed and operational.
These plants utilize reverse osmosis (RO) technology to purify water, reducing fluoride levels to permissible limits as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines. Each DPC has a capacity of 1,000 liters per hour and will serve a population of 500-1,000 individuals, providing 20 liters of water per person daily.
The project cost approximately ₹21.6 crore, funded by the Centre and State governments in a 60:40 ratio. The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) is implementing the project, with ongoing monitoring of water quality to ensure consistent purity.
Previously, the district relied on temporary water supply schemes using mobile RO plants, which were less efficient and had logistical challenges. The permanent DPCs offer a sustainable and reliable solution.
Local communities are involved in the operation and maintenance of the plants through Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), ensuring long-term functionality and ownership. These committees are responsible for collecting user charges, which will cover operational costs and maintenance.
The remaining seven DPCs are expected to be completed shortly. Officials report positive feedback from residents who now have access to safe drinking water. The initiative is expected to significantly improve public health by reducing the incidence of fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride intake. The project also includes provisions for treated water storage and distribution networks to ensure consistent supply.
