Chennai: Less than a fortnight after two people died and 50 people were admitted to hospital with complaints of diarrhoea and vomiting from Pallavaram, Tambaram corporation mayor Vasanthakumari K flagged off four trucks for the supply of clean drinking water.
These trucks, with a capacity of 9,000 litres each, will supply water to around 1 lakh residents in Sembakkam, Chitlapakkam, Thiruneermalai, Pammal, Anakaputhur, and Pallavaram.
On Dec 4, contamination of drinking water led to an outbreak of acute gastrointestinal disorder. While the water analysis report is yet to be made public, piped water supply in the area was suspended. Until Thursday, water was supplied through Metro Water tankers. From Friday, Metrowater will use these new tankers to supply water.
Tambaram Corporation officials said water from the trucks will be tested every week before distribution. Officers are already visiting homes to check water quality using the Senthil Chloroscope, a device used by local bodies to measure chlorine levels in drinking water.
Meanwhile, the corporation is working on long-term solutions, including repairing damaged pipelines and upgrading water treatment facilities. In Sembakkam, construction of a new sewage pipeline will be completed in six months. “This will not lead to sewage spillage or further contamination. We are taking all necessary precautions to avoid disruptions during the construction process. We are prioritising testing water quality too,” corporation commissioner S Balachander said.
Complaints about water quality have been raised since 2022, but many residents feel it took a public health crisis to prompt action. “This problem has persisted for years. We complained many times. Officials acted only after people fell ill and some lost their lives,” said Kavitha S, a Pallavaram resident.
Residents want transparency and accountability from local councillors. “We need regular updates on water testing reports, timelines for ongoing projects, and better grievance redressal. Councillors should ensure residents are informed and their concerns are addressed promptly,” said Shanmugam R of Pammal.
