Chennai: More than a decade after Ambattur was merged with the Greater Chennai Corporation, over 2,000 residents of Padmavathi Srinivasa Nagar continue to live without an underground drainage (UGD) network, forcing them to depend on septic tanks and private sewer lorries.
The residential locality, which has over 350 houses, remains one of several areas in Ambattur lacking basic civic infrastructure such as piped water supply and sewage facilities despite being brought under Chennai Corporation limits in 2011.
Concerns Over Water Source
Residents said the absence of a UGD network became a major concern as the locality is situated near the bunds of Puzhal Lake, which supplies around 240 million litres of drinking water per day to several parts of North and Central Chennai. They said that some houses have connected sewage outlets to stormwater drains, which eventually discharge into the lake.
Delays and Broken Promises
Residents say that the project has been delayed despite repeated assurances from officials. Suresh, president of the United Welfare Associations (UWA) of Ambattur, said, “In Oct last year, Chennai Metro Water officials assured that the work would begin within two months, then they promised it would commence in Jan 2026. However, status quo prevails till date and the officials don’t provide a proper answer.”
He said that the situation has worsened now as sewage overflows onto many streets in Padmavathi Srinivasa Nagar, causing foul stench and unhygienic conditions. “Necessary actions should be taken at the earliest,” he said.
Financial Burden on Residents
R Ramalingam, Joint Secretary of United Welfare Federation of Ambattur, said, “Our federation represents issues and problems faced by the residents, yet no political representatives have organised Area Sabha or ward committee meetings. Even the councillors hardly visit our area. To clean a septic tank, people spend at least Rs 5000-8000, once a year. The metro water department has to take responsibility and finish the UGDS work in our area.”
Despite repeated attempts, Chennai Metro Water Chief Engineer (Operations and Maintenance) A Radhakrishnan did not respond to requests for comment.
