With no supply, Kanchi, outer suburbs struggle for water

Chennai: While farmers in Tiruvallur district have abandoned irrigation near Ponneri, Tiruvallur town and Poondi, the status of Kancheepuram district is even worse with entire district reeling under drinking water crisis.

The suburban areas of Chennai mostly located in Kancheepuram district is now receiving drinking water only once in 15 days, confirmed official sources.

According to municipal administration and water supply department sources, Chennai metro water has completely suspended the drinking water supply in parts of Tambaram, Pallavaram, Chengalpet and Pammal municipalities and with no signs of water table improvement the situation will continue till August, sources said.  

“Only once in 15 days water is given to residents of Hasthinapuram and Nehru Nagar. A unit of water through tanker was around Rs 1,500 till June and now it has increased to Rs 2,500," said S. Stephen, a resident of Tambaram. 

“Chembarambakkam lake is completely dry and now we are looking for the third desalination plant coming up at Nemilli,” said Pallavaram municipal engineer Karuppiah Raja adding periodical steps are taken to provide drinking water through tankers.

According to T. Soundhar, Chengalpet Municipal Commissioner, the groundwater table has completely depleted. Of the 11 borewells in Chengalpet only eight have water. “We are on the process of replacing the old pipelines and the project upon completion would increase the water supply in tail end areas,” the commissioner said.