Water and the People of Chennai

Senior government officials like Mr. Ramagopal live in Anna Riagar, Chennai. This area looks lush and green with lawns maintained by generous spraying of water. Bungalows here have tap water for major part of the day. On days when the water supply is inadequate, a water tanker is easily arranged.

Apartments in Mylapore suffer from water shortage. This area gets municipal water once in two days. A private borewell meets some of the residents 's water needs. Water is purchased from tankers. For drinking water; residents have installed water purification systems in their homes. Madhipakkam and gets water once in four days. Shortage of water is one major reason why Siva can't bring his family to Chennai, For drinking, residents buy bottled water.

In Saidapet for 30 hutments, there is a common tap at one corner, in which water comes from a borewell for 20 minutes twice daily. A family gets to fill a maximum of three buckets within this time. The same water is used for washing and drinking. In summer, the flow becomes a trickle, so that one family gets water only at the cost of another. People have to wait long hours for water tankers.

Water as a part of the Fundamental Right to Life

1. Water is essential for life and for good health. Not only is it necessary for us to be able to meet our daily needs but safe drinking water can, prevent many water-related diseases. India has one of the largest causes of diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera. Over 1,600 Indians most of them children below the age of five, reportedly die every day because of water-related diseases. These deaths can be prevented if people have access to safe drinking water.
2. The Constitution of India recognizes the right to water as being a part of the Right to Life under Article 21. This means that it is the right of every person, whether rich or poor, to have sufficient amounts of water to fulfill his/her daily needs at a price that he/she can afford. In other words, there should be universal access to water. Courts and the Supreme Court have held that the right to safe drinking water is a Fundamental Right.