Parts of Tiruchi continue to face short supply of drinking water due to sharp drop in yield

Several parts of Tiruchi city continue to face shortage in supply of drinking water due to reduction in yield from sources.

Tiruchi Corporation has an installed capacity of 170 MLD from its primary sources in Cauvery and Kollidam Rivers. There were no major issues relating to supply until June, with the Corporation managing to get the maximum yield from its pumping stations. However, the decline began in July due to falling water table caused by dry weather and continuation of summer-like situation.

But the civic body maintained regular water supply to its residents in all 65 wards. However, the water managers of the Corporation faced tough moments due to sharp reduction in overall yield from various water schemes both in the Cauvery and the Kollidam in August.

The situation has slightly improved since the release of water from Mettur dam for irrigation, thanks to increased flow in the Cauvery. But the authorities say the yield from the water schemes from the Kollidam continues to be low. The Kollidam riverbed sources supply about 70 MLD to residents of various parts of the city. However, it has come down to about 45 MLD, leading to shortage in supply.

Acknowledging the issue, Mayor M. Anbazhagan told The Hindu that it was estimated that the overall yield had come down by 25 MLD, mainly due to sharp reduction in yield from the Kollidam riverbed sources.

Sources added that the duration of drinking water supply had been curtailed due to the shortfall and the areas fed by the sources from the Kollidam had been affected.

According to sources, several parts of Edamalaipattipudur, Crawford, K.K. Nagar, Airport, Pudukottai road, Karumandapam, Pirattiyur have been facing short supply of drinking water, and the civic body continues to get complaints from residents of ward 65, ward 61, ward 63, ward 62, among others.

Mr. Anbazhagan said the issue had been discussed with the Corporation Commissioner and the situation was being monitored closely. There was a need to go for additional bore wells at various places to reduce the gap between supply and demand.