Chennai: Acute shortage of water during summer is not new for residents of Velacheri. Decline in supply and hike in price by private tankers are major concerns that people in the area face.
In a good initiative, those living at Cee Dee Yes Regal Palm Garden (RPG), Velacheri Main Road, are sensitising themselves on conserving water through a walkathon.
Speaking to this newspaper, Sharmila Y, a resident and one of the organisers of the event, said, “It was for a major cause. There are 400-plus apartments here, and, now that summer is here, we are facing water crisis. Metrowater supply has reduced drastically and we are depending on private tankers. This is why we want to educate residents on how to conserve water.”
“We have been spreading the message through emails and messages, but for a greater impact, we organised the walkathon so that more residents can be a part of it,” added Sharmila, who herself is a marathoner.
All age groups of people turned up for the walk that took place within the apartment campus. Corporation officials of Ward 197 were also present at the event and took the opportunity in educating the gathering on waste segregation.
Secretary of RPG Apartment Owners’ Association (AOA), G Subramaniam said, “Currently we are buying water for Rs 5 lakh per month. A few days ago, we purchased water aerators worth Rs 1.2 lakh and fixed them free of cost at all the flats. Through this, 50 per cent of water through kitchen sinks and 80 per cent through washbasins is likely to be saved. We hope residents use bathroom showers judicially and the waste RO (reverse osmosis) water for mopping floors and washing utensils. If we practise, we will definitely reap the fruit.”
Sharmila says that after the marathon and awareness campaign, “there is surely a buzz amongst the residents now.”