Water Supply

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?

“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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Rooting for clay idols? We have an even better suggestion. Looking for green decor ideas? Or wondering how to minimise the use of disposables? It’s all here. As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, here’s your complete guide to eco-friendly celebrations.

Most temples in Chennai and suburbs were designed to include tanks, that help to collect rainwater and recharge the groundwater in neighbouring areas. Take a look at some of these tanks today to see how they are preparing to catch and save water as the rains arrive.