Public Facilities

Water and the People of Chennai

In Anna Nagar, Chennai, verdant lawns are meticulously maintained with a regular tap water supply throughout most of the day. In instances of insufficient water supply, residents can liaise with senior officials from the municipal water board, who promptly arrange for water tankers to cater to their households’ needs....

Water as Part of the Fundamental Right to Life

Water, being indispensable for sustenance and good health, is crucial for meeting our daily requirements and ensuring safety. Clean drinking water plays a pivotal role in preventing numerous waterborne illnesses such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera, which claim the lives of over 1,600 Indians daily, predominantly affecting children under the age of 5. Access to safe drinking water is imperative in averting these fatalities....

Public Facilities

In addition to water, other essential public amenities such as healthcare and sanitation are indispensable for societal well-being. Essential utilities like electricity, public transportation, educational institutions including schools and colleges, are equally vital. A defining characteristic of public facilities is their ability to benefit multiple individuals once they are provided....

The Government’s Role

It is the duty of the government to ensure the provision of public amenities to its citizens, ensuring accessibility for all. While private companies typically operate for profit in the market, many public services do not yield profits, making them unattractive for private enterprises....

Water Supply to Chennai: Is it Available to All?

Ensuring universal access to public amenities remains a challenge, particularly in regions like Chennai where water supply is strained. On average, municipal water supply in Chennai fulfills only about half of the city’s requirements....

In search of Alternatives

The predicament in Chennai mirrors similar challenges witnessed across various Indian cities, characterized by seasonal scarcities and crises, particularly during summer months. The burgeoning reliance on private entities capitalizing on water scarcity to turn a profit has become a prevalent trend....

Chapter 7: Public Facilities- FAQs

How does water availability vary between different areas of Chennai?...