Tiruchendur Faces Water Crisis: Residents vs. Hotels

For the past six months, Tiruchendur municipality has been grappling with a significant water scarcity crisis, with residents in many wards receiving water only once every fortnight. This infrequent supply often yields salty water, making it unsuitable for consumption. Adding to the residents' frustration, several lodges and hotels in the area reportedly continue to have 24x7 water access.

The town's water sources, including the Kurangani and Kaanam projects, have seen reduced flow from the Tamirabarani river. Consequently, Tiruchendur now primarily relies on the Authoor Combined Water Supply Scheme, which supplies less than five lakh liters daily against an allotment of ten lakh liters. To bridge this gap, water is drawn from Ellappanayakkankulam, but this water is also noted to be salty.

District Collector Vishu Mahajan stated that Tiruchendur's daily water need is 4.34 Million Litres per Day (MLD), but current supply stands at 3.34 MLD, delivered only every two days. The increasing number of devotees visiting Tiruchendur further strains the limited resources. While eight water lorries are providing temporary relief to affected wards, long-term solutions are being planned. These include constructing three new wells at the Kurangani source, a new pipeline from Authoor pumping station, and a desalination plant specifically for the temple's requirements.

The Collector also noted that the municipality is obligated to supply water to all registered hotels and lodges within its jurisdiction, alongside residential areas. However, residents continue to demand equitable distribution and a consistent supply of potable water.