Jellyfish bloom clogs water pipelines at Nemmeli desalination plants in Chennai

Jellyfish swarm blocks vital water supply infrastructure

A massive jellyfish bloom has clogged the intake pipelines of the Nemmeli desalination plants near Chennai, severely disrupting operations. The incident was reported on Monday, with officials scrambling to restore normal functioning of the facilities that supply drinking water to large parts of the city.

The bloom, a sudden surge in jellyfish numbers in the coastal waters off Nemmeli, choked the pipelines that draw seawater for the desalination process. This forced a partial shutdown of the plants, reducing output and raising concerns about water supply in the region.

Operations hit; crews work to clear blockages

Authorities confirmed that maintenance teams have been deployed to clear the jellyfish from the intake screens and pipes. The process is delicate and time-consuming, as the gelatinous creatures can damage equipment if not handled carefully.

Officials have not yet provided a timeline for full restoration of operations. They are monitoring the situation closely and have advised that alternative water sources may be used to minimise disruption to consumers.

The Nemmeli desalination plants are a critical part of Chennai's water infrastructure. They produce millions of litres of fresh water daily, serving residential and commercial areas when traditional sources run low.

Marine blooms a recurring challenge for coastal plants

Jellyfish blooms are not uncommon in the Bay of Bengal, especially during certain seasons. They occur when warm waters and abundant food allow jellyfish populations to explode rapidly.

Such events have previously affected power plants and other coastal facilities that rely on seawater for cooling or processing. The Nemmeli plants have faced similar issues in the past, though this is being described as one of the more severe incidents.

Experts note that climate change and overfishing may be making blooms more frequent and intense. Warmer sea temperatures and reduced numbers of jellyfish predators create ideal conditions for these swarms.

What happens next

Teams will continue clearing the pipelines and assessing any damage to the plant equipment. Officials are expected to provide updates on restoration timelines as work progresses.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how natural phenomena can disrupt critical urban infrastructure. It may prompt a review of preventive measures, such as improved intake screens or early warning systems for marine blooms, to protect Chennai's water supply in the future.