Amid Saline Groundwater and Dry Taps, Pazhayar Struggles for Clean Drinking Water

Quick Summary

• Pazhayar fishing village in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, with a population of over 6,500, faces acute drinking water shortages due to a failing public supply system.
• The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board provides water once every 10 days but in insufficient quantities. Residents rely heavily on private suppliers for clean drinking water.
• Poor families spend significant amounts-₹900 or more monthly-for basic drinking and bathing needs. Saline groundwater is only used for washing clothes, as it is unsuitable for other purposes.
• The village suffers severe salinity issues due to its proximity to the coast; neighboring villages like Madavamedu and Tharkas also report shortfalls.
• In situations such as in the local government middle school, students lack access to potable water and depend entirely on privately sourced supplies.
• TWAD officials acknowledge problems of illegal water tapping along supply routes but claim efforts are being made to address distribution inefficiencies. A senior district administration official promised steps toward sustainable solutions.

Image Caption: Even poor families have to shell out ₹1,000 monthly for clean water in Pazhayar fishing village.
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