Residents of more than 800 houses in Gandhi Nagar, in Katpadi, have demanded the construction of a new water tank in the area, to meet the demand for water. The residents also demanded the demolition of the old water tank.
They complained that the old water tank located on Ida Scudder Road with a capacity of 2.5 lakh litres was built in 1972 and the concrete structure had become old, posing a threat to residents of the area. The residents also said the water tank was being used for the supply of water to more than 360 families in Gandhi Nagar East, Gandhi Nagar West and Municipal Colony areas comprising around 18 streets.
Kamala, a resident of the 6th West Cross Road said, “Water was being supplied for an hour from 6 am to 7 am from the water tank daily. After the tank went out of use five years ago, water was being supplied only once in three or four days.”
The number of families had gone above 800 in the area, resulting in an increased demand for water, Murugesan, another resident of Gandhi Nagar East said.
Councillor of ward 12, S Vijayalakshmi, said, “As the water tank is not being used, drinking water is being pumped from Krishnavaram pumping station, which is around 6 km away, and supplied directly to the houses.”
“Since water is directly pumped, it cannot be supplied regularly due to power cuts at the pumping station,” she added.
Further, Vijayalakshmi also demanded regular water supply and a 3.5 lakh-litre capacity sump for storing water.