Chennai: The residents of Ullagaram — Puzhithivakkam are waiting impatiently for the last eight years to see water flow through their parched pipelines. Commissioned in 2008, the Ullagaram-Puzhithivakkam Water Supply Scheme includes constructing six overhead (OH) tanks to source water from the Nemmeli desalination plant.
Being incorporated into the Chennai Corporation in 2011 as a preferred residential hub in the past three years, the locality has seen a drastic change in the past eight years. However, the water woes have not eased.
The locality, three kms southeast of Velachery, now relies on water tankers, despite the water scheme works of constructing OH tanks and laying of pipelines being completed.
The blame game moves from callousness of the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) officials to the unconcerned contractors, who have paused work for over five years.
Official apathy has taken a toll on the exchequer, as Metro Water is now repairing the pipelines that were already laid five years ago.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Sholinganallur MLA, Aravind Ramesh said, “I have received a letter from Metro Water office declaring that the works have been completed. Metro Water officials are now repairing the pipelines which reported leakage.”
The area engineer of Chennai Metro Water blamed the contractors for not sticking to the project. “There was a delay as the contractor had abandoned the project. However, works have been resumed now. We are coordinating with Chennai Corporation to complete the water scheme within three months,” the official added.
Ullagaram-Puzhithivakkam residents are least convinced by the assurance. “We have addressed our pleas to the local body umpteen times, only to witness no change. Unfortunately, families who deposited Rs 7,500 for the water scheme are now spending on water tankers,” said TR Narayanan, President of Alwar Nagar Resident Welfare Association.
Residents shell out Rs 600 for a 9,000-litre water tanker from Metro Water. The same from a private water tanker varies from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400, based on demand. “Things get worse during summer as private tankers charge hefty prices due to the demand,” he lamented.
Scheme would not quench the thirst: Even when complete and operating the Ullagaram-Puzhithivakkam water supply scheme would not succeed in catering to the requirements of over 30,000 voters.
“The total count of residents would come up to 50,000 voters, when the visiting crowd is also included. The scheme, planned when the locality was a municipality, is not enough for the growing population,” said Ramesh.
When the per capita water count of 120 litres per person is calculated, the locality requires 36 lakh litres each day. But, the combined capacity of OH tanks is just 17 lakh litres.
