Citizen Connect: Residents of Anakaputhur run from pillar to post as water stinks of sewage

Summer has hit Anakaputhur residents hard, as the municipality has left them without regular water supply. Residents complained that the little water they get is often mixed with sewage and is not fit for domestic use.

Located on the border of the city, behind the Chennai airport, the Anakaputhur Municipality consists of 18 wards, with a total population of more than one lakh. Though it is a fast developing area, residents have been struggling with an acute water crisis for the past few months.

Residents alleged that the municipality was not taking any action to ensure regular supply of clean water. According to them, this has forced them to buy water from private suppliers. Due to this, added the people, they are spending Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 to buy water from the private tankers. “Those who cannot afford such an amount are suffering without the supply from the civic body,” a resident said.

Recently, residents gathered and went to the municipality to request officials to supply water at least twice a week. But the authorities have not yet taken any step, added the people.

A resident said that she gets water mixed with sewage at her house. “As my family cannot afford to buy water from private tankers, I filter the contaminated water and use it for household purposes,” she said, adding that the water supply became worse after the Lok Sabha election got over.

Rajeswari from the locality said if they fell sick after consuming the contaminated water, the municipality has to take responsibility for it.

“The officials are rude when we ask about the erratic supply or poor quality of water. We never get a satisfactory response from them,” said a resident recalling their woes.

When DT Next contacted municipal engineer Asirvatham, he said they were doing the best they could to ensure supply of water to the residents.

The proposal to take water from a stone quarry was in the process, he said, adding that it would begin in the next few days. After that, the situation would be normal, he assured.