Citizen Connect: Dilapidated overhead tank, unusable wells add to water scarcity fears in Cholavaram

With the onset of summer, residents of various localities across the city are gearing up to store water to tackle the looming water scarcity. However, it is different for the residents of Gandhi Street near Cholavaram.

According to the residents, the drinking water resources -- two wells -- in the locality have been locked away behind compound walls. “The wells used to be enough for all the residents of the area when they were accessible to us. Though we have asked the civic authorities to make it usable again, there has been no response. While one of the wells has been closed off, compound walls have been built around another one,” a resident of the locality said.

Residents added that the overhead tank in the area is battered due to lack of maintenance. “Exposes electrical wires are visible near the wells, which were good sources of water in the area. The civic authorities did not ensure an alternative source of drinking water before closing them. The official apathy will lead to residents bearing the brunt of water scarcity come summer,” R Sudhakar, a resident of the locality, said.

Residents rued that the authorities have the responsibility to maintain these facilities or open new facilities as they are paying water and property tax. “As the maintenance of the overhead tank was not done regularly, the tank does not serve its purpose anymore. If the authorities do not consider the problems of the residents, we would have to face a lot of problems this summer,” said another resident.

When contacted, civic authorities said that the area gets water from the reservoirs and even Metro Water department will ensure that adequate drinking water is supplied to the area.