Chennai, already grappling with the specter of water scarcity, now faces a dire situation as Veeranam Lake, a vital source of drinking water for the city, has completely dried up.
The lake, which historically provided a significant portion of Chennai’s water needs, recorded zero million cubic feet (mcft) of storage on April 15, 2024, starkly contrasting with the 687.40 mcft it held on the same date last year. The depletion of Veeranam Lake’s water levels can be attributed to the cessation of inflow from the Mettur dam, prompting the reservoir to enter a state of dead storage since February 28, 2024. This development underscores the urgent need for Chennai to confront its escalating water crisis and explore alternative solutions to meet its burgeoning demand. Furthermore, the plight extends beyond Veeranam Lake, as other key reservoirs in the region are also experiencing significant declines. Poondi Lake, Cholavaram Lake, Puzhal Lake, Kannankottai Thervoy Kandigai, and Chembarambakkam Lake have all witnessed diminishing water levels, raising alarms about the sustainability of Chennai’s water supply infrastructure.
According to data from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), the storage in these reservoirs is well below their total capacities, signalling an imminent threat of acute water scarcity in the city. The recent classification of water levels in the Cauvery basin as deficient by the Central Water Commission (CWC) further underscores the severity of the situation. As Chennai braces for the intensifying water crisis, residents in areas like Medavakkam are already feeling the pinch, with borewells running dry and access to piped water becoming increasingly scarce. This alarming scenario necessitates immediate action from authorities to implement sustainable water management strategies and alleviate the burden on affected communities.In the face of mounting challenges, Chennai must prioritise resilience and innovation in water resource management to safeguard the well-being of its residents and mitigate the adverse impacts of the ongoing crisis. Failure to do so could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and compromise the city’s long-term sustainability goals.
