Water, all the time: Chennai moves to fix piped supply

Chennai, a bustling metropolis on India's southeastern coast, has long grappled with an acute water crisis, a recurring nightmare that often dominates headlines, especially during scorching summers or failed monsoon seasons. This chronic scarcity, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, groundwater depletion, and climate change, has historically led to an intermittent water supply, forcing residents to rely on tankers, borewells, and expensive private purchases. It's against this challenging backdrop that Chennai's Metrowater (Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board) has embarked on a transformative journey: a pilot project to provide 24/7 piped water supply in the Adyar zone.

Historically, Chennai's water management has been a story of resilience and innovation amidst adversity. From constructing large reservoirs like Chembarambakkam, Poondi, and Cholavaram, to pioneering desalination plants (like the Nemmeli and Minjur plants) to convert seawater into potable water, the city has constantly sought solutions. However, the fundamental challenge remained the intermittent nature of supply – water would be available for only a few hours a day, often at low pressure, leading to inequitable distribution, water theft, and significant non-revenue water (NRW) due to leaks and illegal connections. This system also forced households to invest in storage tanks and pumps, adding to their financial burden and health risks associated with improper storage.

The current initiative in Adyar signals a fundamental paradigm shift. Instead of the traditional 'fill-and-drain' method, Metrowater aims to establish a continuous, pressurized water network. This involves upgrading existing infrastructure, replacing old pipelines, installing smart meters, and implementing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to monitor flow, pressure, and leakage in real-time. The goal is to ensure that every household receives continuous, high-quality water directly from their taps, much like in developed nations. Key stakeholders in this ambitious project include Chennai Metrowater as the implementing agency, the Government of Tamil Nadu providing policy support and funding, and crucially, the citizens of Adyar, whose cooperation in adopting responsible water consumption practices will be vital for its success. Urban local bodies, specifically the Chennai Corporation, play a critical role in local governance and coordination.

This project holds immense significance for India, a nation facing an escalating water crisis in its rapidly expanding urban centers. Firstly, it directly addresses the 'Right to Water,' which, while not explicitly mentioned, has been interpreted by the Supreme Court as an integral part of the fundamental 'Right to Life' under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Ensuring 24/7 access to clean water is a step towards fulfilling this constitutional mandate. Secondly, it aligns perfectly with the objectives of central government schemes like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), both aimed at providing universal tap water connections and improving urban infrastructure. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which empowers Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for urban planning and water supply (Entry 6 of the Twelfth Schedule), provides the institutional framework for such initiatives.

Economically, continuous water supply can reduce household expenditure on alternative sources, improve public health by reducing waterborne diseases, and free up time spent on water collection, particularly for women, thereby boosting overall productivity. Socially, it promotes equity by ensuring uniform access to water, irrespective of socio-economic status. Environmentally, a pressurized, continuously monitored network significantly reduces water loss due to leakages, a major problem in intermittent systems.

The future implications of this pilot project are far-reaching. If successful, the Adyar model could serve as a blueprint for other Indian cities struggling with similar water challenges. However, scalability will require substantial financial investment, robust technological integration, and strong political will. Challenges include managing demand in a water-stressed region, ensuring the financial sustainability of Metrowater, and adapting to climate change impacts on water sources. The project also necessitates a cultural shift towards water conservation and efficient use among citizens. Ultimately, Chennai's move towards 24/7 piped water supply is not just an infrastructural upgrade; it's a critical step towards building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban future for India, demonstrating a proactive approach to urban water governance.