It has been over a month since people of Arumughankavundanur village have received proper water supply. And this is despite several complaints and petitions submitted to officials concerned.

The small hamlet has 1,000 people and the water source was a public tap with water coming from Athikadavu. But that has gone dry and the people now have to travel a few miles to get water, they told Covai Post.

The crisis began with groundwater table dipping and drying almost all water sources in the vicinity. Even the little left has salty water which cannot be used for drinking purposes, though many are forced to use it.

Ten days ago, the people raised a protest near Chettipalayam. “We are struggling to get a little water, It’s like a war every day,” laments a resident S.Geetha who says the authorities need to find an immediate solution to this.

“We filed lots of petitions to every office, but there has been no permanent solution. After complaints, water trickles in one day and the next day the tap is dry,” says another resident P. Sangeetha.

Tanker lorries supply water to other areas, especially apartments, bypassing their village, she adds.

Coimbatore Corporation Duty Officer U Senthil told Covai Post: “Ground level water is very low in every region. We are trying to find a solution to the drinking water problem in the area. Tanker lorry supply in that area does not come under the corporation. It is operated by private companies who fetch water from any borewell and sell it. We have decided to take action against them.”