The 400 MLD Perur SWRO desalination plant's foundation was officially laid by Tamil Nadu's chief minister, MK Stalin, in an effort to increase water security and provide a consistent supply of clean drinking water for Chennai people.

The undertaking represents a combined partnership between the CMWSSB and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Metito Overseas Limited, VA Tech WABAG, and WABAG.

Guests from the administration who attended the event included minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply, KN Nehru; chief secretary for government of Tamil Nadu, Shiv Das Meena IAS; R Kirlosh Kumar, I.A.S., managing director of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and principal secretary of the Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply, D Karthikeyan, IAS.

The other attendees included Rajiv Mittal, chairman and managing director of VA Tech WABAG; Philip Johnson, projects director at Metito and senior professionals from CMWSSB, JICA, WABAG, Metito and project consultants.

The Design, Build and Operate (DBO) project includes the entire spectrum of project development—from design and engineering to procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning.

Post successful completion, WABAG will be responsible for its Operation and Maintenance (O&M) 20 years.