This agitation does not raise any eyebrows — for, it is coming at a time when south Chennai is facing one of the stiffest water crises ever. Recently, residents of Mullai Nagar and surrounding areas took to the streets to protest the construction of a water-purifying plant on a site in Mullai Nagar that had earlier been earmarked for the creation of a park. Following the agitation, the work has been suspended.
Residents-activists have charged that the Tambaram Minicipality had commenced park development work a couple of months ago and then suddenly dropped the idea and enabled the creation of the water purification plant by a private player. According to an activist from Mullai Nagar, if the plant comes up, it will draw about 30 thousand litres of water every day.
Residents say there will be a considerable drop in the groundwater level at Mullai Nagar, Ambal Nagar, Amal Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Old SB Colony, Lakshmi Nagar and CTO Colony. An official from Department of Municipal Administration says they allowed the plant as it will fetch treated water for residents of neighbouring colonies.
“The private owner has agreed to establish the plant on Built Operate Transfer basis and supply treated water at ₹7 for 20 litres. Permission was granted to draw 5,000 litres of water every day and lorry supply was not permitted. Apart from this, the private party agreed to pay rent for the land being used by them and it would help the municipality get additional revenue. As of now, we have suspended the operations and the contractor has been asked to complete the park work soon,” he says.
