Water Supply | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Here’s why we should look at reviving open wells in Chennai this summer

April 20, 2021 Bhavani Prabhakar

Whenever the city faces water shortage, people go testing for more borewells. Yet, the traditional technique of drawing water from open wells remains a much more viable and sustainable option.

Chennai just got a new system to monitor groundwater levels. How will it help?

February 19, 2021 Bhavani Prabhakar

Chennai is the first Indian city to have such a comprehensive automatic groundwater monitoring system. But will it really help the city bridge the data gaps?

Where does the water in your tap come from?

October 10, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Water is one of the most emotive issues among citizens of Chennai. Have you ever wondered where this growing city sources its water from? Is it enough to meet the demand?

Of bullock carts, wells, fountains and reservoirs: Water supply in Chennai through the centuries

August 20, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

“The entire history of Madras can be summed up as a perpetual groping for water” says historian V Sriram, as he provides a glimpse into Chennai’s history of water (mis)management.

Where is the water to wash our hands frequently, ask residents of Ambattur and Chrompet

April 7, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Water usage has increased following the outbreak of COVID-19, as citizens are washing their homes and surroundings, and even their hands more often than usual, as advised. But residents in Chennai suburbs, who are fighting water scarcity everyday, can hardly afford to do the same.

2020-ம் ஆண்டிற்கான குடிநீர் வாரியத்தின் பத்து பெரிய வாக்குறுதிகள்

February 20, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Read the Tamil translation of our article that lists the Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s ambitious goals on expansion of services and initiatives for 2020.

How ‘nature-based’ transformation of Mylapore tank area could ease Chennai’s water problems

February 14, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

A collective comprised of domain experts and designers have come together under the banner ‘City of 1000 Tanks’ to work towards water security in the city. Citizen Matters spoke to Sudheendra NK of Madras Terrace, a member organisation, on the plans in place.

Metro Water’s 10 big promises for Chennai citizens in 2020

January 27, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board put forth ambitious goals of expansion of services and initiatives at the very start of the year; taking a look at the ten big goals of the department in 2020.

Could Chennai see a repeat water crisis in 2020? Hear what Tamil Nadu Weatherman has to say

January 20, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

We catch up with Tamil Nadu Weatherman, Pradeep John, to hear his analysis of the north east monsoon this year, and if the city will have enough water to tide over the summer.

ஆக்கிரமிப்பினால் காணாமல் போன வட சென்னையின் ஏழு நீர்நிலைகள்

January 6, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Water bodies in North Chennai have disappeared over the last three decades to rampant commercialisation and encroachment. Read the Tamil version of our reportage on the issue here.

The slow killing of Korattur Lake: Can it be reversed?

January 3, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Water crisis is not in the news now. But in two months, fifty thousand houses surrounding Korattur lake are likely to be struggling for water because the lake is polluted yet again, and the concerned authorities do not seem to be looking at long term solutions seriously.

71 done, 139 in progress: Efforts to restore Chennai water bodies show promise

December 12, 2019 Nina Varghese

Out of 3,000 water bodies in Chennai city, 210 have already been taken up for restoration. The work entails desilting as well as removing water hyacinth and garbage in the water bodies. Here are more details about the same.

Why a women’s entrepreneur zone in Red Hills catchment area is a bad move

October 14, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

There is uncertainty about the construction of a women’s entrepreneur zone at Red hills reservoir. However the primary questions remain unanswered: Why are the officials not speaking up? Why should Chennaites worry about the development?

Not just Villivakkam Lake, apartments and malls too can benefit from our technology: BARC scientist

September 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Chennai Corporation has collaborated with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to restore the Villivakkam Lake, using waste water treated through a special technology. We spoke to J Daniel Chellappa, Senior Scientist at BARC, to know more about the plans and the larger implications.

Why water scarcity never ceases to haunt the women of Chennai

September 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Intermittent rains in Chennai may have eased the situation but water continues to be a scarce resource. And across the city, regardless of social class, women invariably bear the brunt and are expected to make arrangements to quench the family’s thirst.