The Hindu 07.04.2013
Drinking water crisis looms large in 21 wards
A survey conducted by the municipal corporation has revealed that 21 wards are facing drinking water scarcity.
Of the 100 wards of the civic body, 79 wards do not experience water crisis while the rest need immediate attention from the authorities.
Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa had a meeting on Friday with councillors and Assistant Engineers to discuss the water availability and supply scenario.
“We are taking all steps to ensure regular drinking water supply in the 21 wards that face problem. The City Engineer and Assistant Engineers have been asked to look into the public complaints with urgency,” the Mayor told The Hindu on Saturday.
The areas which have been identified as “badly hit” include D.R.O. Colony, K. Pudur, Naganakulam, Mahaboobpalayam, Ellis Nagar, Thathaneri, Melamadai, Gomathipuram, Anna Nagar and Tirupparankundram.
Mr. Chellappa said that the engineers had informed him that water pipes in some areas were to be replaced and water supply through tankers had to be stepped up.
“The situation will improve in a couple of days as the Corporation officials have stepped up vigilance on illegal connections and seizing of motors at different places in the corporation area,” Mr. Chellappa said.
On Saturday, the Corporation launched the AMMA scheme (Azhagiya Madurai Managara Thittam) to undertake a massive cleanup operation in all the 100 wards in order to provide basic amenities for the people.
Minister for Cooperation Sellur K. Raju inaugurated the drive from ward 85 at Jhansi Rani Park and exuded confidence that the special schemes will make Madurai clean and well-equipped. “Madurai was ignored by the previous DMK government. Through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission, Rs.250 crore will be spent to create infrastructure in the city. Also, a separate allocation has been made to construct two flyovers and lay new roads in the city,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Mr. Chellappa said that the AMMA Scheme would give a facelift to the city as 600 workers were being deployed in all the 100 wards in four zones to carry out works on sanitation, water pumps, underground drainage, streetlights, road repairs and drinking water.
In the ward 85, the Mayor said, 12 metalled roads and seven paver block pathways will be laid.
A booklet on AMMA Scheme was released by the Cooperation Minister. Deputy Mayor Gopalakrishnan and MLAs participated in the function.
