CHENNAI: Residents of Pammal , which was in floods three months ago, are now facing drinking water shortage.
Adding to their woes is an ongoing tiff between the state highways and Chennai Metrowater which has delayed construction of four over head tanks proposed for the local neighborhood.
According to municipal sources, the State Government recently earmarked '45 crore to augment drinking water supply for Pallavaram and Pammal and under the scheme four new over head tanks were for Pammal.
However, a pause in the project has now drawn flak from residents who were optimistic of escaping water crisis this summer. “Had the OH tanks been opened this summer, we would not have faced water crisis,” said D. Jayaseelan, a resident.
Construction activities for four OH tanks at Shankar Nagar, Pammal Nalla thambi Road, Meenakshi Nagar and Nagalakeni had not progressed allegedly due to a dispute between Metrowater and state highways. “We are awaiting permission from the highways department which was sought six months ago,” said a Metro water official.
Pipeline laying work from Sembarambakkam to Pammal has been stopped at Pammal Nallathambi Road, which comes under the jurisdiction of highways department. “If the three km line is laid, the tank at Shankar Nagar will be completed. It will benefit more than 30,000 residents,” said a councillor of Pammal. The other tanks are delayed due to shortage of funds with metro water, the councillor said.
Though the reasons behind the delay in obtaining permission from highways could not be ascertained, sources in the department hinted that permission could be obtained only after the elections.
“Laying the pipe line to complete the scheme will batter the roads, a move that could affect the goodwill the ruling party enjoys,” a highways department official told DC.
All factors indicate that Pammal would face water crisis this summer too. “It is the start of summer and we receive water once in 15 days. We are clueless of how to get over the summer months,” said Andal Ramachandran, a social activist.
