Residents of Alandur have raised serious concerns over the continued dysfunction of several hand pumps across the area, which have been out of service for an extended period. Despite repeated complaints and requests for repairs, local authorities have largely ignored the issue, leaving residents struggling to access clean water. Alandur, once an independent municipality, is now part of the Greater Chennai Corporation and comprises 12 wards. While infrastructure improvements have been made, such as better underground drainage and water supply systems, the ongoing neglect of the hand pumps has become a growing civic concern.
Historically, hand pumps were installed in the area at significant cost, with the aim of providing a reliable water source to local residents. However, after Alandur’s integration into the Greater Chennai Corporation, maintenance of these pumps has deteriorated, leading to a situation where nearly five pumps in key streets, such as Thiru Vi Ka Street and K K Nagar Main Road, have ceased to function. For many in these areas, these pumps served as a vital water source, especially during power cuts when other water systems were unavailable. With these pumps now broken, residents are left without an emergency backup, compounding the water supply crisis.
From a financial standpoint, the neglect of these pumps represents a significant loss. Installing a single hand pump costs around Rs 50,000, not including additional components and maintenance costs. With several pumps left inoperative, the financial waste due to unutilised infrastructure is mounting, running into lakhs of rupees. Local officials, including assistant engineer Venkatesan, have acknowledged the issue but claim that these pumps are not a priority since other water supply systems are in place. However, the reality is that the pumps were once integral to the community’s water access and their current state reflects a lack of investment in maintaining essential civic infrastructure.
Sustainability issues also come into play in this scenario. The reliance on hand pumps, particularly in areas that experience frequent power cuts or supply interruptions, highlights the need for more resilient, energy-efficient water solutions. While the Greater Chennai Corporation has made strides in improving infrastructure, long-term sustainability can only be achieved with a greater focus on maintaining all water systems, including hand pumps. Repairing and maintaining these pumps would not only reduce wastage but also help build a more resilient water supply system for the people of Alandur, ensuring water security even during times of crisis.
