Madhavaram, one of Chennai’s rapidly developing neighbourhoods, has long been touted as a promoter’s dream, with its growing infrastructure and increasing population.
However, residents are now voicing their frustration over a long-standing civic issue: despite paying water and sewage taxes for the past decade, they still lack a functional water supply system. For many, the irony is impossible to ignore. The neighbourhood has been contributing to municipal coffers, yet the promise of a basic utility like drinking water remains unfulfilled. Residents of the area have repeatedly raised concerns over this issue, citing the significant impact it has on their day-to-day lives. “We have been paying taxes for drinking water and sewage for the last eight years, but all we have are drainage pipes. The Metro Water board has not yet provided any drinking water to us,” said Aruldas, the joint secretary of the Palaniappa Nagar Civic Association. His frustration mirrors that of many others in the community who are witnessing rapid population growth but no corresponding improvements in basic infrastructure.
Lourduraj, the secretary of the KKR Garden Welfare Association, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The Metro Water department demands payment of water and sewage taxes within a month, but it gives no indication of providing the water that we’ve been paying for.” He further highlighted the discrepancy between tax collection and water supply, adding that “the tax is paid for a system that doesn’t exist.” The situation has become even more dire with the rapid depletion of groundwater in the area, exacerbating the crisis. “Despite the government collecting taxes, the reality is that residents are relying on groundwater, which is depleting at a fast rate,” Lourduraj continued. This growing dependence on groundwater is not just a local issue, but one that contributes to the city’s larger water scarcity crisis.
The proposal to provide water connections to Madhavaram residents has been in the works for nearly a decade, but progress has been slow. According to the local councillor for Ward 28 in Madhavaram, the ongoing work to lay Metro Water pipelines will take at least another year to complete. “We have been requesting the authorities to expedite the water supply project, but it has been delayed several times. The need for water is urgent,” he said. Officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) offered some reassurance, stating that pipeline laying and testing work are currently underway. They assured that once the lines are confirmed to be leak-free, households in the area will receive water connections, which they hope will be operational by next year.
While the completion of this project is eagerly awaited, residents’ frustration continues to mount as they wonder why they have had to wait for so long, paying taxes for a service that remains elusive. The situation highlights the broader issue of municipal inefficiency and delayed infrastructure projects that often fail to meet the expectations of residents in fast-developing urban areas. The water crisis in Madhavaram is just one example of the increasing pressure on urban localities to deliver basic services amidst rapid urbanisation. Cities across India are grappling with similar issues, where population growth often outpaces the development of essential infrastructure like water supply, sewage systems, and waste management. As a result, residents of newly developed areas find themselves paying taxes but receiving little to no benefit in return.
The issue also underscores the need for more efficient urban planning and management. As the government focuses on expanding cities and increasing their commercial viability, the development of basic amenities such as water supply should not be overlooked. These services are not just critical for the well-being of citizens but also for the sustainability of the cities themselves. In the case of Madhavaram, the local authorities must address the immediate needs of residents while ensuring that such delays in infrastructure projects do not continue to plague the area. This situation calls for a more proactive approach in ensuring that urban growth is accompanied by the timely provision of essential services.
While the promise of water connections in the coming year offers some hope, Madhavaram’s residents are understandably sceptical. As the city continues to expand, ensuring that every neighbourhood has access to clean, reliable water supply must remain a top priority for municipal authorities. The delay in Madhavaram should not be allowed to become a blueprint for future urban development projects in Chennai and beyond.
Chennai Madhavaram Faces Water Crisis Despite Paying Taxes for Decade
