Residents block a key stretch near Ambur and demand restoration of water supplies

Residents protested against water supply in Veerankuppam village on Wednesday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

As dried-up lakes and ponds dried up wells and boreholes, residents, mostly women, blocked the Ambur-Pernambut main road at Veerankuppam village on Wednesday, demanding immediate restoration of water supply for household consumption.

Residents said the village consists of three hamlets. The village has about 2,500 families. With soaring temperatures in recent weeks, the local panchayat has regularly failed to provide water supply to households, including street tanks.

Irregular water supply has forced residents to travel at least 5-10 km to fetch several pots of water from Ambur and Pernambut towns. “Panchayat has completely stopped water supply to households in the village for several days now. Since the groundwater in the area is salty, we are dependent on water provided by the civic body for consumption,” said R. Sumitha, a resident.

Around eight o’clock on Wednesday morning, residents blocked the section and demanded the restoration of water supply. The local police and officials from the revenue office reached the spot and pacified the agitated residents, who dispersed peacefully after being assured by the authorities. “We have directed the panchayat officials to ensure regular supply of water for consumption. We will also ensure that such basic amenities are made available to residents without any delay,” said a revenue official.

Panchayat officials said that on an average, more than one million liters of water is required daily for household consumption. Most of the water comes from two boreholes in the village and another from the neighboring village of Venkatasamuthiram, where the water table is high and also suitable for consumption. Water from these wells was pumped into four above-ground reservoirs (OHT) in the village.

However, panchayat officials said that an existing borehole in the village hamlet had lapsed a few weeks ago due to low water table. After complaints from residents, the pumping units for the well were repaired.

Disabled people stay in the remote parts of the village. Efforts have been made to supply water to these affected areas, panchayat officials said.

Published – 02 Sep 2026 23:22 IST