Supporting sustainable use of water resources in Pondicherry

Like many regions in India, Pondicherry is facing water stress. Demographic and economic growth exerts considerable pressure on available water resources. Climate change is also likely to increase this stress. It is therefore urgent to plan and implement a sustainable water resources management.

The objective of the project is to contribute towards the improvement of living conditions of the inhabitants of Pondicherry and its surrounding areas by increasing the availability of drinking water and rationalizing distribution. It also aims to create a healthy and attractive environment to support the development of the city.

The Union Territory’s Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for implementing this policy in coordination with the Pondicherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC).

The project is part of the support provided to the AMRUT national policy (Attal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation).

In order to meet the water demand by 2032 and ensure an uninterrupted supply, it is planned to drill 84 wells, purchase submersible pumps, install electric transformers, set up pumping stations and reservoirs, develop intermediate storage wells and pipes for the distribution network and develop connections to the network for the poorest inhabitants.

The project includes the purchase of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition equipment (SCADA) to operate wells and the drinking water supply system. A computer-based subscriber billing, collection and management system will be adopted.

AFD will also provide technical assistance to the PWD in preparing different studies necessary for:

• devising a sanitation plan for those areas that are not connected to the system;
• technical capacity building for an efficient management of the facilities;
• the provision of the required management tools.

• Set up a sustainable and modern operating and maintenance system by building the PWD capacity
• Improve the water quality and network efficiency for Pondicherry’s inhabitants
• Extend the water supply to Puducherry’s peri-urban areas