Tamil Nadu: Worst drought in 140 years, drinking water supply in Chennai slashed by 50%

In 2015, Puzhal, Sholavaram, Kaliveli, Pulicat and Maduranthakam lakes around Chennai had overflowed due to unseasonal rains and caused floods in the city. Almost two years later, four main reservoirs - Poondi, Red Hills, Cholavaram and Chembarambakkam have dried up already and the city is facing acute crisis of drinking water.

According to a NDTV report, Chennai requires 830 million litres of water a day, but the drinking water supply has been slashed by almost 50%. To meet the needs of people, 300 water tankers have been deployed. However, many areas are receiving water only once in three days through piped water. 

Since Tamil Nadu is  witnessing the worst drought in 140 years, authorities are finding alternatives to supply drinking water to the state capital. "Water is also coming in from stone quarries in Kancheeputam and Thiruvallur, besides two desalination plants in the city," a senior water supply official was quoted. 

Earlier on Monday, Agricultural minister R Duraikannu said that three insurance companies had approved a total of Rs 928 crore compensation under crop insurance scheme for farmers for 2016-17 fiscal, which would be credited to their accounts within 10 days.

The state government had already earlier announced Rs 56.92 crore "kuruvai special package" for buying seed, bio-fertilizers, and irrigation materials. 

(With PTI inputs)