Tiruchendur residents have raised concerns over inadequate supply of municipal water to residential areas, further alleging that several lodges and hotels in the region received regular water supply and are able to provide 24x7 water access to their guests, while local residents faced shortages.
Tiruchendur Municipality, which comprises 27 wards has been facing severe water scarcity for the past six months. Residents allege that the majority of the wards receive water only once a fortnight, and water supplied is salty for consumption.
Tamilselvan, a resident of ward 23 said, “The residents of Tiruchendur municipality have been struggling with severe water scarcity for the past six months, and residents are planning to launch a protest in this regard in the coming weeks.”
Explaining the water sources of Tiruchendur municipality, including Kurangani water project and Kaanam water project by Municipal Administration and Water Supply department (MAWS) and Authoor Combined Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) operated by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, he noted that Kurangani and Kaanam projects had come into halt due to reduced water flow in Tamirabarani river. Consequently, Tiruchendur municipality currently depends on water supplied through Authoor CWSS.
Mr. Tamilselvan added that around 10 lakh litres of water per day had been allotted to the municipality through Authoor CWSS, but the actual supply was less than five lakh litres a day. He said water was currently drawn from Ellappanayakkankulam to meet the deficit, but the water was reportedly salty.
He urged the authorities to take immediate measures to address the drinking water needs of Tiruchendur municipality.
Vasumathi, another resident from Govidhammal Colony alleged that water meant for residential areas was also being supplied to lodges in the region, further aggravating the shortage faced by local residents. She added that a peace committee meeting was held in the first week of October in the presence of Revenue Divisional Officer and other senior officials but no concrete measures had been taken to resolve the issue.
She added that the number of devotees visiting Tiruchendur had been increasing steadily. While acknowledging the need to ensure adequate water supply to Tiruchendur temple to meet the needs of devotees, she said the authorities should also ensure a regular supply of adequate quantities of potable water to residential areas.
Speaking to The Hindu, Thoothukudi District Collector Vishu Mahajan said Tiruchendur’s daily drinking water requirement, based on its population, was 4.34 MLD (Million Litres per Day). However, owing to the poor southwest monsoon and other water shortages, only 3.34 MLD is supplied once in two days.
He added that the influx of devotees had increased the town’s floating population, placing additional pressure on its water resources.
Mr. Mahajan said that three long term measures have been planned to meet the drinking water needs of Tiruchendur, including 3 new wells in Kurangani water source, TWAD’s new pipeline from Authoor pumping station for 2.86 MLD pumping and desalination plant for Tiruchendur temple requirement. As a temporary measure, 8 water lorries are deployed for wards with low supply.
Regarding the supply to lodges and hotels, the Collector noted that the municipality was duty bound to ensure water supply to all residential areas, as well as registered hotels and lodges within its jurisdiction.
Published - October 17, 2026 06:30 pm IST