The village comprises over 700 Muslim families; water to be supplied through tractors for Ramzan
Residents of Somanathapuram village in Kurubarapalli village panchayat at Veppanahalli Panchayat Union in Krishnagiri district has been facing for the last two months.
About 700 Muslim families were left in lurch especially during the month of Ramzan, the residents lament.
A. Zubaidha, a resident of the village, said that they had petitioned the Collector demanding basic amenities two months ago.
About 50 residents, including 23 women and children, went to the collectorate with empty pots on Friday.
Even though there are two over head tanks (OHT) with a capacity of 30,000 litres and 15,000 litres, two mini tanks with fitted with motors and a deep borwell pump, the minority community people continue to suffer water shortage.
The reason cited by the residents was that the street taps become dry, as one of the OHT was situated in a low lying area.
Hence drinking water does not reach the upper areas. The people here were forced to fetch water from agriculture well at Sikkarimedu situated two km away from the village.
The two mini borewells and deep borewell pumps are not working properly, they added.
B. Ismail, Panchayat Secretary, toldThe Hinduthat the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) had planned a 10,000 litre capacity OHT in the area, but they dropped the scheme after laying the foundation stone in the area three years ago.
Illegal tapping
The residents also alleged that that a panchayat clerk was collecting Rs. 20 per house for water, but water was not supplied regularly.
Mani alias ‘Cable’ Mani, husband of the Panchayat President M. Jayalakshmi, said that a transformer near K.N. Petrol Bunk was the reason for water problem.
Moreover, illegal tapping of water by some residents was the main cause.
Meanwhile,, drinking water would be provided to the affected residents (Upper land) areas through tractors in view of the Ramzan on Monday.
