Chennai: After nearly six days of disruption caused by a major pipeline burst near Puzhal that carries 300 million litres of drinking water per day, piped water supply resumed in several areas under Kolathur constituency and parts of Ambattur and Anna Nagar zones on Sunday night. Metrowater carried out emergency repairs on the damaged 1,200 mm diameter main pipeline along the GNT Road and restored normal distribution.
Disruption and Emergency Response
The disruption had left thousands of residents dependent on piped drinking water for almost a week after the main pipeline burst on May 19. The damaged pipeline carries treated water from the 300 MLD Puzhal water treatment plant to several areas in north Chennai. Pumping through the pipeline was stopped immediately after the burst to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of motorists and the public along the GNT Road stretch. Barricades were erected around the damaged portion, and repair teams began replacing the affected section with a new 25-foot-long pipe, noted a release from Metrowater.
Areas Affected and Mitigation Measures
The pipeline burst affected piped drinking water supply in 35 areas under Kolathur constituency, besides several localities in Ambattur and Anna Nagar zones. Residents in many neighbourhoods said they were forced to wait for tanker supplies and store water in advance as supply remained uncertain during the repair period. To manage the crisis, Metrowater deployed additional tanker lorries to the affected areas apart from the regular fleet already operating there. “Extra quantities of water are now being supplied through pipelines to stabilise distribution and replenish local storage systems. Water supply through tanker lorries to low-pressure areas, street taps and neighbourhoods without pipeline connections is also continuing without interruption,” said Madhavaram zone area engineer ST Vani Priyadharsini.
Restoration of Normal Supply
The officials said the repair work was completed on a war footing late Sunday night, following which normal distribution gradually resumed across the affected zones. Residents can now expect a return to regular water supply, though tanker services will continue in areas with low pressure or no pipeline connections.
