For over a year, vast areas of North Chennai have been grappling with a severe shortage of drinking water, a situation directly linked to the prolonged shutdown of a critical facility. The 100 Million Liters per Day (MLD) Minjur desalination plant, a key source of potable water, has been non-operational, forcing residents into a daily struggle and dependence on expensive private alternatives.
A Return to Water Scarcity After Brief Relief
The current crisis marks a painful reversal for communities in Ernavoor, Manali, and Tiruvottiyur. These localities had experienced significant relief from acute water shortages about five years ago when desalinated seawater from the Minjur plant began flowing into their taps. However, that stability collapsed when the plant's operations were halted. According to Metrowater Managing Director T G Vinay, the earlier contract was terminated, leading to the plant's shutdown in November 2024. Since then, the utility has failed to appoint a new contractor to run and maintain the facility, leaving a massive gap in the water supply chain.
Residents Bear the Brunt: High Costs and Poor Quality
With the desalination plant offline, Metrowater has been sourcing water from the Puzhal treatment plant for North Chennai. This alternative has proven woefully inadequate. Residents report that the supply is not only low in pressure but also frequently contaminated and unfit for drinking or household use.
K Venkattaiya of the Erneeswaran Nagar residents' welfare association in Ernavoor highlighted the stark contrast. "We were getting good-quality water round the clock," he said. "Ever since the switch to Puzhal, water is provided only on alternate days and is often polluted." Those in low-pressure zones have endured inadequate supply for more than a year, despite having official connections and paying their water taxes.
The financial burden on families is heavy. M Jothy, a Tiruvottiyur resident, explained their predicament: "Every day, we buy four cans of water for around 120 rupees. We are entirely dependent on purchased water, and nearby shops have also raised their prices. It has become difficult to afford." Residents express frustration that their complaints to the department go unanswered while they continue to pay for a service they are not receiving.
Path to a Solution: Partial Restart on the Horizon?
Metrowater authorities have outlined steps being taken to address the problem. Following the contract termination, a due-condition assessment and valuation of the Minjur plant were initiated. A tender was floated and awarded to a consultant, who is currently conducting the study.
MD T G Vinay provided a tentative timeline, stating, "A partial restart of the plant is expected around April–May next year, with an initial supply of 20MLD." While this would bring only a fifth of the plant's full capacity back online, it represents a potential first step toward alleviating the water distress for thousands of North Chennai residents who have waited too long for a resolution.
