Jolarpet water to quench city’s thirst for 6 months

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday said that the State was actively pursuing alternative sources of water supply to address the acute water shortage in Chennai and surrounding areas and had just sanctioned Rs 200 crore to execute the drought mitigation project in the State.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference held here, Palaniswami said that 525 MLD of water was supplied by Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) currently and to ensure that there was no disruption in the current supply, the State has launched a scheme to bring drinking water from Jollarpettai in Vellore. “On a daily basis, 10 MLD of water will be brought by train and a sum of Rs 65 crore has been sanctioned for the project,” Palaniswami said.

When asked about the Kerala government’s offer of 20 lakh litres of water and Minister Velumani’s comment on Thursday declining the offer, Palaniswami said, “Kerala was ready to provide water, but we want to know the modalities of their offer. We are not sure if they had made a one-time offer or to supply it daily and for how long. I will soon write a letter exploring the gesture of Kerala,” EPS said.

When asked on allegations that people are under the mercy of private water-tankers and end up paying an exorbitant price, the CM said that a price has been set up for tankers.

“People pay more if they need water immediately. What can the government do for that? If people living in an apartment are rich, they pay Rs 4,000 extra and get water immediately. Because of this, others are also forced to pay more to get water,” he said.

Palaniswami claimed that the government through its departments has pressed 800 water tankers into operation. “On a daily basis, 9,800 trips are assured. In case of complaints against overcharging tankers, steps will be taken to address the issue,” the CM said.

To a query that whether the government has failed to take preventive steps, the CM said that water-related works were started well in advance. “Two months ago, Mettur water was released and adequate stock was maintained at Veeranam reservoir. But it was drained to meet Chennai’s needs. During the same time last year, the combined storage of Chennai’s resources was around 3 TMC. But this year, all water bodies that cater to Chennai have drained. The groundwater table has also reduced. There is a need for the public to use the water judiciously,” he said.

Amid media reports on Chennai metro water supplying two tankers of water for ministers’ bungalows, Palaniswami said there is no truth in it. “It is the responsibility of the State to provide drinking water to all and we are maintaining the basic supply,” he said.

Commenting about the Krishna river water agreement, EPS explained that 18 TMC of water was due from neighbouring Andhra but only two TMC has been given. Andhra is also unable to supply water as the water level in their dams has gone below the discharge level, CM concluded.