What steps have been taken to remove the encroachments on the conduit pipeline which brings water from the Red Hills lake to Kilpauk Water Works here and to ensure optimum drawing of water through the pipe?
The Acting Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), K. Baskaran, has posed the question to the Managing Director of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), in his order on a complaint. The official should send an interim report to the Commission within three weeks, Mr. Baskaran said.
Citing a report in The Hindu titled ‘Century-old lifeline sinks under neglect’, on May 2, the complainant said that a 10-km long conduit pipeline built in 1914 was being systematically encroached upon. The pipeline bringing raw water from the reservoir passed through Inner Ring Road and New Avadi Road before reaching the Kilpauk Water Works. After treatment, the water is distributed to various parts of the city. The report said that due to poor maintenance of this line, its carrying capacity had reduced. There were encroachments on the conduit line and because of this, Metrowater’s attempts to repair the line did not take off.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Acting Chairperson has ordered that the Managing Director, CMWSSB, the Commissioner, Chennai Corporation, and the District Collector, Chennai, should send a detailed report to the SHRC in six weeks.
