Big industries consider desalination plants for future

Big industries consider desalination plants for future

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 25, 2016: It is reliably reported that mega industries in coastal Karnataka are mulling a desalination plant to cope with a water crisis in the future.

Announcing this at a meeting on May 24, Tuesday, DK DC  Adoor B Ibrahim said the idea was put out by MCF Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd, which is facing brunt of water problem and has shut operations. This has also inspired stakeholders in the region to work out a strategy to bring this in to being. DK DC  Ibrahim explained that the project is expected to cost around Rs 100 crore and will be executed by a consortium. The desalinated  water from the plant could be put to use for mega industries in the region. This will help save water in dams for public use.

Experts from National Institute of Technology - Karnataka (NIT-K), Surathkal have also been roped in to help with technology. A desalination process essentially separates saline water into two parts -- one that has a low concentration of salt and the other with much higher concentration than original feed water. Arab countries have already such major potable-water generation plants using the desalination technology to solve water scarcity problems. In India, such plants have come up in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra, the DC said. Of 100 litres treated water only 40 litres is usable,  the rest 60 litres water will again go back to the source.

It is estimated that for now, major industries pay Rs 52 for 1,000 litres of water to MCC while, desalinated water will cost about Rs 82 per 1,000 litres. On May 25, Wednesday, district administration will hold a primary meeting with MCF, MRPL and other company officials to discuss on the proposal.