CM orders for supply of drinking water through mini-lorries in Chennai

Following the deficit of rain in North East monsoon by 24 per cent there was severe scarcity of water across the state. Several water bodies went bone dry and people were made to wait with empty cans and pots.

There were protests for drinking water in several parts of the state and Opposition parties too demanded the state government to take immediate action. But, as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in place, the state government could not take any action then.

However, when the MCC ended on May 27, Palaniswami convened his first meeting on the problem of water scarcity which is looming large in the state.

According to officials who attended the meeting Chief Minister Palaniswami was shown a power point presentation containing 120 slides about the problem of water shortage and how people are forced to wait for drinking water in narrow streets. The officials also informed the frequency of water supply to all the areas in Chennai.

When Palaniswami asked the officials about the solution they replied that mini lorries can be deployed to supply water to the narrow streets. Palaniswami then immediately directed the officials to supply water to narrow streets using mini lorries.

He also directed the officials to ensure that no person goes without drinking water and directed them to conduct regular inspection in areas wherethere are frequent complaints on drinking water scarcity.

In the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam along with senior state Ministers and senior bureaucrats, including Chief SecretaryGirija Vaidyanathan,participated.