Residents in several areas of south Chennai, including Choolaimedu and T. Nagar, have been grappling with a water supply disruption for four days due to a burst in the pipeline connected to the Valluvar Kottam distribution station. Officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) have reassured the public that piped water supply is expected to resume by Friday evening. In the meantime, many locals are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their daily water needs, particularly in areas off North Usman Road such as Ramakrishna Street and Unnamalai Ammal Street in T. Nagar, where alternative groundwater sources are non-existent.
This water supply disruption comes on the heels of a scheduled suspension from March 29, which was implemented to facilitate pipeline interconnection work by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited on Uthamar Gandhi Salai-Sterling Road in Nungambakkam. Unfortunately, residents’ anticipation of the water supply returning to normalcy was met with unexpected delays, extending their wait for essential resources.
Choolaimedu resident R. Mythili, living on Krishnapuram Street, expressed frustration over what she described as frequent disruptions in water supply. She pointed out that during the summer months, reliance on borewells and water tankers becomes critical due to increased demand. “The authorities need to ensure we receive timely information on water supply disruptions and work towards a permanent solution,” she emphasized, highlighting the need for a more reliable water distribution system.
CMWSSB officials responded to the growing concerns by affirming ongoing repair work on the ruptured section of the main pipeline on 100 Feet Road in Arumbakkam. They identified damage to a section of the 10-meter old pipeline, which has primarily affected water distribution in key areas such as R.A. Puram, Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam, T. Nagar, and certain parts of Ashok Nagar. To mitigate the water supply deficit, approximately 40 million liters are distributed daily to residents in Zone 9, with additional water being trucked in to bridge the gap while repairs are underway.
In an effort to restore service promptly, CMWSSB has coordinated with Kilpauk Water Works to bolster supply, increasing the number of water tanker trips to affected locations. The board assured that the situation would stabilize by Friday evening, easing the strain on residents who have been relying heavily on temporary water delivery services.
As the situation unfolds, residents remain hopeful for a timely resolution and are urging CMWSSB to implement measures that prevent future disruptions. The ongoing issue underscores the critical demand for sustainable and efficient infrastructure to manage Chennai’s water needs, particularly in areas prone to such interruptions. By addressing these challenges proactively, the city aims to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply for all its residents, safeguarding their essential daily needs. This article was published on April 04, 2025.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/water-supply-in-areas-of-south-chennai-hit-for-four-days-due-pipeline-burst/article69408141.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-04-04 00:34:00
