MADURAI: Despite water meters being fixed in many localities across Madurai, water supply has not been provided in several areas, leaving residents and activists worried. In addition, reports of leakages and incomplete connections have added to their concerns.
While water meter installation under the AMRUT scheme has been completed in the city, the rollout of meters under the Smart City project is facing delays, drawing criticism from residents and civic activists. The corporation is preparing to float tenders for the purchase of additional meters to complete the pending works.
Madurai has a total of 2,86,208 water supply house service connections spread across its 100 wards. Of these, over 2.5 lakh connections have been fitted with meters under the AMRUT scheme. The remaining 30,000 connections come under the Smart City project.
Residents from core city areas such as Sellur, Bethaniyapuram and Chinna Chokkikulam alleged that although pipelines have been laid, water meters have not been installed in several streets. In some places, meters have been fixed but water supply is yet to be commissioned.
In Zone Five, Usha, a resident, said that her water meter was installed a few months ago, but the pipeline connection has not been provided so far. “Some connections were properly completed, but many others remain unfinished,” she said.
Raising the issue, Solai M. Raja, opposition leader of the Madurai City Council, pointed out that despite the inauguration of the Periyar drinking water scheme in December 2025, several areas are yet to receive water through the new lines. He urged the corporation to expedite the pending works.
When contacted, a city corporation official admitted that minor leakages and blockages have been reported in certain areas. The official said that while meter installation under AMRUT scheme has been completed, the Smart City installation has crossed the 50% mark. “The remaining 15,000 meters will be installed soon, and all works are expected to be completed shortly,” the official said.