GIS Applications for Water Resources Conservation Through Hydrographic Surveys in Chikarayapuram and Pammal Abandoned Quarries

Abstract

During the year 2017 the Chennai metropolis was facing a severe drought due to failure of monsoon rainfall and starved even for drinking water. A scientific study has been carried out using geospatial technology and echo sounders for the identified source of water from abandoned quarries towards estimating the quality and quantity. The study has identified the quantity of available water is 26,32,967 m3 from both the quarries and the water quality is suitable for drinking purpose and concluded with the recommendations of collecting the excess water (Floodwater) in Chikarayapuram Quarries, which can hold maximum of 0.55 TMC of water for water starving Chennai City with diversion of overflowing water channels to the abandoned quarries with minimal measures. The water in Quarry No.4, Pammal should be treated with hydrochloric acid and after additional water treatment techniques, the water can be utilized for drinking purposes.

Urban Eris: Water body transformation in peri-urban Chennai, South India

“…Additionally, grey water is planned to be reused for freshwater supply, which would involve increasing the urban waste water treatment capacity to 60% (Paul and Elango, 2018;Shivakumar, 2020). Also water from disused quarries, prominently Chikarayapuram in the west of Chennai, is to be used as additional water source for Chennai (Interview LA3) (Narayanan et al, 2020;Oppili, 2019).…”

“…76 An important supply scheme for areas around the research area is the Palar Scheme, which provides bank filtrate from Palar River. 77 Groundwater from disused rock quarries has entered water provision for Chennai some years ago to ease water scarcity (Narayanan et al, 2020). 78 A bathing ritual for the local deity 6.…”