2 days Ago
Chennai: Residents across South Chennai are reeling under an intensifying water crisis as Metrowater has failed to complete maintenance work at the Nemmeli desalination plant on time. The delay has disrupted supply in multiple neighbourhoods, forcing households to depend on costly private water suppliers . Metrowater had earlier announced that the 110MLD Nemmeli plant would be shut for scheduled maintenance from March 21 to 26.
During these six days, areas under zones 13, 14, and 15 including Thiruvanmiyur, Kottivakkam, Perungudi, Palavakkam, Vettuvankeni, Karapakkam, Okkiam Thoraipakkam, Neelankarai, Sholinganallur, Uthandi and Injambakkam were to receive water supply on alternate days. However, days after the announced deadline, maintenance remains incomplete. The impact has now spread to other areas in South Chennai, including Kotturpuram, Saligramam and Adyar.
In these neighbourhoods, water supply has been erratic for weeks. "We are forced to spend 4,000 to 6,000 to buy water from private lorries," said T Manikandan, a resident of Adyar. In North Chennai, areas depending on the Minjur desalination plant are also facing a prolonged crisis.
The Minjur plant has been non-operational since Nov 2024 due to unresolved technical issues. This has affected newly added corporation zones such as Manali, Madhavaram and Thiruvottiyur. While some parts are receiving water from the Puzhal reservoir, supply remains patchy, and many homes still lack direct water connections despite infrastructure being in place.
"For the past two weeks, no water has been supplied to our street," said S Amirtha, a resident of Lakshmipuram in Kolathur. "We are a family of six and depend entirely on Metrowater. Daily purchase of bottled water is unaffordable.
The govt must intervene." Despite widespread complaints, a Metrowater official said the city is not facing any water shortage. "We have more than 11 tmcft of water in reservoirs — sufficient for ten months.
Nemmeli plant's maintenance is nearly done and operations will resume shortly," the official added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EID Wishes , Messages and quotes !.
