Tambaram transitioned to a municipal corporation five years ago, yet its water supply system remains inadequate. In several areas, water access is limited, and even where it is available, factors such as insufficient overhead tanks and uneven pipeline distribution create challenges, leaving many neighborhoods thirsty.
As per the 2011 census, the Tambaram City Municipal Corporation serves approximately 723,000 residents. Over 14 years later, real estate experts estimate the population has surpassed 1 million.
Next year, 19 neighboring village panchayats, including Agaramthen, Medavakkam, Kovilambakkam, Mudichur, and Perumbakkam, will be integrated into the corporation, doubling its area from 84.7 sq km to 172.34 sq km and potentially raising the population to over 1.2 million, nearing a quarter of Greater Chennai Corporation’s size.
Tambaram needs 125 million liters per day (MLD) to meet its requirements across five zones, according to commissioner S. Balachander. Unfortunately, it only receives 76 MLD, resulting in a shortfall of nearly 50 MLD, with each zone facing an average deficit of at least 10 MLD. Consequently, many areas depend on expensive and unsafe water from tankers. Currently, only Chromepet and Pallavaram have piped water supply under the corporation.
Notably, 25% of residential neighborhoods still lack piped water connections, forcing regions like Selaiyur, Camp Road, Mudichur, Irumbuliyur, Anakaputhur, and Thiruneermalai to primarily rely on tankers.
Civic activist David Manohar, a resident of Pallavaram, remarked, “Water supply occurs only once every two or three days. Residents of gated communities who can afford tanker water remain unaware of the scarcity. Unfortunately, this is a continuous struggle for those who cannot purchase water.” P. Sarangadoss, president of the Perumbakkam Residents Welfare Association, added, “With the merger of the village panchayat into Tambaram corporation, it’s crucial to tackle the inadequate supply as Perumbakkam is reliant on water tankers. The corporation must ensure piped water infrastructure is in place before this merger.” Metro Water MD T.G. Vinay mentioned that the Perur desalination plant could be a potential solution. “Operations are set to start by March 2027, with about 50% of the ₹6,078-crore project completed. The plant will treat 400 MLD of seawater daily and provide drinking water for 2.27 million people,” he confirmed.
“An additional 5 MLD will be sourced from the Palar River, and upon completion of the Perur desalination plant, 150 MLD will be distributed to us through the Ring Main pipeline from Perur via Sembakkam, Madambakkam, and East Tambaram,” Balachander stated.
Nonetheless, there remains a significant lack of storage and supply infrastructure. Former additional director of municipal administration and water supply, D.S. Sivasamy, noted that only Pallavaram, Chromepet, and a few other areas have piped water systems, with many residences still awaiting connections. It is imperative to establish piped water supply for the remaining zones as well.
“In the past five years, no new reservoirs have been constructed in Tambaram corporation, which could have stored water from the desal plant. Additionally, rainwater mixes with sewage in stormwater drains, and the corporation should have taken action to address these issues,” he asserted.
