Looming water shortage propels departments into action in Chennai

CHENNAI: With several places in Tamil Nadu staring at short supply of potable water, the government departments are implementing contingency plans to tackle drinking water scarcity. Drinking water shortage was one of the main topics discussed at  the recent Collectors’ Conference chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Later, the Chief Secretary also held a meeting with top authorities to take stock of the situation, official sources said.

Due to below-normal showers recorded during the northeast monsoon, certain districts, including Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Coimbatore, Erode and parts of Sivaganga, were left dry. So, the officials are on their toes as people in these districts face the risk of short supply of potable water.

“We have drawn up contingency plans to tackle water shortage. Monitoring and micromanagement of water distribution is being done,” K Satyagopal, Commissioner for Revenue Administration and Relief Commissioner, told Express. “Finding new sources, rejuvenation and carrying out repairs on existing supply facilities are part of the contingency plan,” he said.

Rs 122 crore for supply system

The Department of Rural Development is going to release a sum of `122 crore for water supply works in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the rural areas. Revamp of old combined water supply schemes will be given priority in the programme to augment water distribution. General funds in the local bodies will also be routed to water supply augmentation programmes.

According to Satyagopal, focus will be on those panchayats and blocks that could face water shortage. Micro-management of water supply is being adopted in such places.

Districts having combined water supply schemes do not face much problems as water could be channelised to the places covered under the schemes.

“When compared to last year, there is good availability of water in major reservoirs. We can utilise it for drinking water purposes. Summer showers have begun and will help us tackle the situation,” Satyagopal hoped.

Quenching thirst
● Coimbatore, Erode, Madurai, Perambalur, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Pudukkottai may face water shortage
● Contingency plans drawn up to tackle shortage
● Micro-management of supply
a key element in the plan
● Focus on panchayats and blocks anticipating scarcity
● Combined water supply schemes help ensure balanced distribution
● Storage in major reservoirs better than last year