Residents in coastal hamlet in Nagapattinam district battle scarcity with underground cement water tanks in their homes

Overview The coastal hamlet of Keechankuppam , located near Nagapattinam , is grappling with a severe drinking water crisis. This scarcity has significantly impacted the way houses are constructed and has increased the overall cost of living for residents. The primary issues include chronic water scarcity, salinity of groundwater, and an inconsistent piped water supply, compelling residents to build underground cement water tanks as a necessity. Key Issues Chronic Water Scarcity: The village consistently faces a shortage of potable water. Groundwater Salinity: The groundwater is highly saline, making it unsuitable for drinking and other household purposes. Erratic Piped Water Supply: The piped water supply is unreliable, leaving residents without a consistent source of water. High Cost of Water: Residents are forced to purchase water from private tanker operators at high prices. Poor Sanitation: Lack of proper drainage leads to stagnant water and mosquito breeding. Detailed Analysis Water Scarcity and its Impact Keechankuppam , part of Akkaraipettai panchayat , houses approximately 600 families . For the past 15 days , the taps have been dry, exacerbating the existing water crisis. The Kollidam water supply does not reach the village, and borewells have become ineffective due to saline water intrusion. Schemes designed to ensure safe drinking water have bypassed the area, leaving residents to fend for themselves. Suganthi R. , a local fisherwoman, notes that the area has always suffered from water scarcity due to its marshland nature. The saline groundwater leaves them with no option but to rely on private tanker lorries. Economic Burden Residents are heavily dependent on private tanker lorry operators, spending around ₹1,500 to purchase 4,000 litres of water. This amount is barely sufficient for a family for a week to 10 days . When the cost becomes prohibitive, multiple households pool their resources to share water from a single tanker. This water is used for all purposes, including drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, and even watering plants, as stated by Maniammal R. Adaptation Strategies Over time, water storage has become a survival strategy. Almost every house has an underground cement tank, or families with limited resources use large blue plastic barrels to store water. These tanks typically hold enough water for 10 to 15 days . Kalaichelvi S. points out that anyone constructing a new house in the area is aware of the irregular water supply and allocates extra funds to build an external tank, as living without one is practically impossible. Sanitation and Health Concerns Adding to the hardship is the poor sanitation in the area. There is no functional rainwater drainage system, and existing channels are clogged. The resulting stagnant water has led to increased mosquito breeding, raising significant health and safety concerns among the residents. Government Neglect Villagers highlight that the panchayat continues to collect taxes for water that is never supplied. Neither the Kollidam water nor the Jal Jeevan Mission has reached them. Despite paying taxes, they are left to manage their water needs independently, as emphasized by Ms. Suganthi . Official Response A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board has stated that they will investigate the issue. UPSC Relevance This situation in Keechankuppam highlights critical issues relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly in the areas of: GS Paper 1: Social issues related to poverty and access to basic amenities. GS Paper 2: Government policies and schemes for vulnerable populations, local governance, and the role of Panchayats. GS Paper 3: Infrastructure development, water resource management, and environmental conservation. Potential UPSC Questions Discuss the challenges of ensuring water security in coastal regions of India. Evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission in addressing water scarcity at the grassroots level. Analyze the role of local governance in managing water resources and sanitation in rural areas.

Residents in coastal hamlet in Nagapattinam district battle scarcity with underground cement water tanks in their homes

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