Kannagi Nagar Faces Severe Water Shortage as Supply Dips
The residents of Kannagi Nagar, a densely populated locality in Chennai, are grappling with an acute water shortage that has intensified over the past month. Despite the seasonal shift, over one lakh people are enduring the consequences of erratic and insufficient water supply, with deliveries occurring only once every two to five days. This interruption in basic water supply has left many struggling to manage daily chores and fulfil work obligations, forcing some to take leave just to collect water.
Local residents have expressed their frustrations with the inconsistent supply and poor water quality. Many have reported receiving water that is yellowish in colour, and the lack of a steady water supply has left them unable to carry out basic tasks such as bathing. As temperatures rise, the situation has worsened, adding to the discomfort of the residents.
In addition to the irregular supply, many complain about the low water pressure, making it even harder to gather enough water from the hand pumps. Residents have noted that the water comes at unpredictable hours, sometimes as late as 9 pm, forcing them to stay up late into the night to collect what little water they can. For many, purchasing water from private tankers is an unaffordable option, further exacerbating the strain on daily life.
The water shortage in Kannagi Nagar is not just a matter of inconvenience, but a result of systemic issues in the city’s water supply infrastructure. Chennai Metro Water is required to provide 40 lakh litres of water per day to meet the needs of the locality’s 15,656 tenements. However, due to ongoing maintenance at the Nemmeli desalination plant and outdated infrastructure, the supply has been cut back to 20 lakh litres or even less. The region’s four sumps, some of which have been in place for over 20 years, are unable to handle the demand, worsening the crisis.
Officials have stated that the supply was being supplemented from Veeranam lake, but even with this, it has remained inadequate to meet the needs of the residents. The ongoing maintenance work at the desalination plant is expected to conclude only by March 26. However, the shortfall continues, and authorities have assured residents that long-term solutions are being implemented. These include a pipeline and water tank installation project, which is expected to alleviate the water shortages once completed.
As the city prepares for a long, hot summer, the residents of Kannagi Nagar continue to cope with the ongoing struggle for a basic necessity. With the water supply issues escalating, there is a growing need for authorities to accelerate infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the region’s residents no longer have to endure these hardships.
