TNSCB flats in Vellore get water meant for dhobis

The tenements built on the banks of the Palar river and nearing a year, still lacks drinking water despite the being near to Vellore corporation’s GLR (Ground Level Reservoir) of the Hogganekkal drinking water scheme.

Apart for a few houses, most of the 224 tenements are occupied. There are also 90 families working as dhobis (traditional washermen) living in the tenements as they lived in the area before the tenements were constructed.

Speaking about their difficulties, an occupant, on an anonymous note said,”Though the flats have overhead tanks, we are supplied with only bore water which is not fit for drinking. Despite having an overseer collecting Rs 200 per month for this facility, we do not have proper drinking facilities.”

Asked about the grievous condition to the corporation sources, they said that they are unable to do anything as the tenements were yet to be handed over to the local body. “Only then can we do the needful,” they said.

When TNSCB was asked, why the tenements were not yet handed, they blamed the contractor who is duty bound to maintain the flats for atleast one year. “Only then can we hand it over to the Vellore corporation,” they averred. While the officials hesitate to act on the issue, residents are forced to get the water within a limited time period. “We have to collect water quickly in pots as the supply lasts only a hour,” said a resident added. “Even if drinking water is provided in a GLR, residents can use half HP motors to pump water from the GLR to their flats. If we miss this water, there is no alternative than buying water in bubbletops,” he added.