Water crisis hits Alandur residents

Chennai

People in many city areas are complaining of an acute water shortage. Residents of NSK Road near Vanuvampet in Alandur said the extended summer has resulted in many borewells in the area going dry, while the absence of a Metro water pipeline has compounded the problem.

Many people complained of having to stand in long queues for hours to fill up their buckets and fights have a become a regular affair: everyone wants to fill his/her bucket first. Others said they got only three pots of water once in two days. “There is no regular supply here. But the problem has become acute because of the huge shortage of water in the borewells. The situation will improve only when it rains,” said Tamil Selvi, a homemaker on NSK Road.

M R Nareshkumar, the local councillor, admitted to the problem. “Every summer, the situation is the same. Recently, I provided two water tanks for residents on NSK Road as a temporary relief. I have also raised the issue at the corporation zonal meeting,” he said.

This was no solution, residents said, as the water tank was locked most of the time. “It is opens at 5pm once in two days, and there is a huge rush for water. The rest of the time the tank is closed. It would be better if we have a pipeline to ensure proper supply,” said one.

Many said they were unable to meet their daily requirements with three pots of water. “We have to manage everything for two days with just three pots,” said Lakshmi, a resident, pointing to several empty vessels. Their woes were compounded by the fact that most of their complaints remained unattended by civic officials, she said.

Private companies providing water through tankers continue to thrive here. “We depend on private tankers,” said Moorthy, another resident. “They charge 6 per pot which is not affordable for many of us, but there is no other alternative,” he said.

Some residents are also worried that the shortage of water could create health problems. Others said many areas in Pazhavanthangal, Nanganallur and Thalakanancheri were also facing a severe water shortage. When contacted, Metrowater officials said the issue would be resolved soon. “We have decided to provide more drinking water through tankers as a temporary step,” said one.

Source: The Times of India, Chennai