Several residents of Bharati Nagar in Taramani resorted to road roko, protesting against the city corporation and Chennai Metro Water for poor water supply to their area for months together.
The residents complained that they get proper water supply only when a VIP visits their area.
“We did not have proper water supply for three months. We threatened to block roads when a politician visited our area last week to open a thaneer pandal,” said homemaker Aruna.
“Authorities intervened and made promises. A week from then we had good water supply. Afterward, it is the same old story,” she said.
“We are compelled to walk to neighbouring areas in the sweltering heat to get water. Initially, the people there did not mind. However, of late they complain that we come regularly and some even ask us not to come for water,” rued another homemaker, Surya.
Authorities give different reasons every time the residents complain, Surya said. Sometimes they attribute it to a rupture in the distribution line, while on other occasions they claim the water pumped from the nearest station does not reach them as the area was on a relatively higher altitude, she said.
There are a few like Rajendran of Cauvery Street who have not received water for more than six months now.
“If taxpayers in an area just 1 km away from us could get continuous water supply, why not us?” he asked, blaming the apathy of Metro Water and civic officials for their plight.
Efforts to contact officials concerned proved futile.
The residents plan to squat on the road again on Monday to grab the attention of the authorities to find a solution to their perennial problem.