For several years now, residents of some areas across the city have been waiting for water supply and sewer networks even as work is being carried out in the neighbouring localities.
Residents of parts of Ambattur and Okkiam Thoraipakkam complained that though their localities had been merged with the Chennai Corporation, they continued to wait for a comprehensive water supply and drainage network. In Ambattur, the project to provide underground drainage network was initiated over a decade ago when it was a municipality.
For people in Madhanangkuppam, water supply and sewer connections remain a distant dream as their areas have been left out of the scheme. R. Murugan of the Madhanangkuppam Makkal Munnetra Sangam said about 20 localities such as Thirumal Nagar, Annai Indira Nagar, Senaithalaivar Nagar and Kamarajar Nagar had not been covered under the schemes. “We were part of the Ambattur municipality when the scheme started. While work is on in neighbouring areas, there is no activity in our localities. People spend up to ₹1,300 a month to clear sewage,” he said. Illegal release of sewage into Korattur lake is also common in the Ambattur zone.
Groundwater resources
Water supply through street tanks is not adequate and people depend on groundwater to bridge the shortfall. Residents of parts of Okkiam Thorapakkam said some streets were yet to be provided water supply or sewer networks whereas neighbouring localities such as Karapakkam had better infrastructure. J. Prem, a resident, said water theft from the huge water pipelines that ran along Rajiv Gandhi Salai continued as the area did not have sufficient supply.
“I manage with groundwater from a shallow well and have repaired a defunct borewell to manage during summer,” he said. Sources in Chennai Metrowater said there may be delay in completing the project in wards such as 86, 90 and 91 covering Ambattur and Mogappair. As the work was not carried out on time, fresh tenders had been called for.
On the complaints from areas that were left out, officials said such fast-developing areas would be identified and covered under new projects.
