A DOUBLE DECKER: Commuters travelling atop the roof of a bus at Nagaraja Kandigai in Gummidipoondi Assembly constituency. — Photo: K. V. Srinivasan

GUMMIDIPOONDI: The shortage of water for agriculture and silted lakes are a major cause of concern to the people of the Gummidipoondi Assembly constituency, which goes to the polls on May 14.

With the rains having failed in the last couple of years, the farmers' only hope is fresh rain this year. As they are dependent on dryland farming, they hope they will be able to cultivate at least two crops of paddy this year.

The locals say that the groundwater level has fallen to 120-140 feet in contrast to 30 feet in the past.

The affluent farmers sink borewells. Those with small landholdings remain at the mercy of the rain God or are dependent on those who own borewells. Farmers are upset that the lakes and tanks in the area have not been deepened.

"Last year, there was not much of a problem when compared to 2003 when there was very little rain. This year, we managed to cultivate one crop," says Ezhumalai of Thaanipoondi, pointing to a borewell sunk up to 170 feet. Even groundnut cultivation is possible only if there is a little water in the open wells.

The sinking of borewells in large numbers adds to the farmers' woes, says Suresh, a resident of Madharapakkam. He says the Madharapakkam lake can be deepened to hold more water.

No response

Repeated representations to officials to desilt, plug the leaks and strengthen the bund of the Parathambedu Kandigai lake have fallen on deaf ears, says Venkatasubbarajulu, a resident. He says that the sinking of two borewells near his house to feed the overhead tank has resulted in the quick depletion of the water in his well. The Soorapoondi lake opposite his house is totally dry.

The fate of the Sakkili Odai lake at Kayalarmedu is similar, says K.S. Devasundaram, a former local councillor. His many representations to the authorities to desilt and strengthen the bund of the lake, which spreads over 23.7 acres, and its channels has evoked no response. The lake is a source of water for small farmers. "But officials pass the buck, and I have stopped representing to the authorities now," he says.

The plans to link the villages by buses have only remained on paper. "There is no adequate bus service on the Madharapakkam-Padhirivedu Road leading to the National Highway-5. This is a daily ordeal for us," says a passenger travelling on the ladder of a Satyavedu-Ponneri bus at Nagarajakandigai.

The bus was overcrowded and several people were travelling on the roof.

Taking advantage of the inadequate bus services, van operators charge Rs. 6, 50 paise more than for bus travel, to take people from Gummidipoondi to Madharapakkam, says Venkatesan of Eguvarpalayam.

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