The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Ambattur municipal water unfit for consumption, say residents

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 09, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Ambattur municipal water unfit for consumption, say residents

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JAN. 8. Residents in the western suburbs of Chennai, especially at Padi and Korattur, complain that water supplied by the Ambattur municipality is salty and unfit for drinking.

The residents of Padi and the Tamil Nadu Housing Board colony at Korattur face a perennial problem of non-availability. They also complain that water is of poor quality and the supply erratic. The municipality supplies water through tanker lorries.

For two years now, the area has not received piped water, says Seshagiri Rao of Korattur. The water supplied by private tankers (on contract with the municipality) is also salty. "If good quality water can be provided in a few areas, including Venkatapuram, the municipality may as well ensure the same quality in the other areas as well." A resident of Vanniyar Street said: "We have little option but to purchase packaged water or pay Rs. 5 for every pot obtained from tankers from Tiruvallur district."

Residents say they spend at least Rs. 500 on water, besides the tax paid to the municipality. Government agencies are prepared to supply water, they say and ask why the local body is reluctant to seek help.

Ward 44 councillor S. Balakumaran said Korattur needed five lakh litres daily and the municipality supplied only half this quantitythat too of poor quality.

Municipal authorities said the local body was working on getting water from Chennai Metrowater and the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board. The quantum would be increased in a few days.

T. Nagar's troubles

The problem of inadequate supply plagues T.Nagar also. Residents say they are not getting piped supply.

Residents of Wason Street, Yogambal Street and Raja Street say that in the absence of piped supply they are forced to depend on private suppliers.

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