Chennai: Enter the 16th Street at Tansi Nagar, a well-laid table with two earthen pots of water welcomes you. Construction workers, domestic helpers going from house to house and elderly persons walking on the streets get to quench their thirst here.
For the past three years, without fail, Tansi Nagar Welfare Association sets up the Thanneer Pandhal (drinking water facility) in the locality. From one can of water a few years ago, the association has planned to provide four cans a day this year.
But they didn’t stop at that. On 26 April morning, they began the initiative by serving watermelon and buttermilk to hundreds of passersby for nearly two hours. The association’s secretary M Balakrishnan said, “We began providing water in 2017. I have the habit of putting a chair outside my house and sitting under the tree. During summer, I have seen many people coming to me and asking for water. For many, a bottle of water, which costs Rs 10 or 20, is unaffordable. Construction workers and those walking to and fro for work get relieved from the heat here.”
During the opening of the facility, headmistresses of St Anton’s School, Sister Lourdu Amali and Sister Mariya Jothi cut the ribbon and served the drinks, respectively. The event was supported by residents in the neighbourhood.
“We noticed that two cans of water get over by the afternoon, so we are going to keep four cans a day. We plan to keep the facility up for the next two months. During kathri veyil, that is mid-May, and in the fag end of summer, we will again be distributing buttermilk and watermelon,” said Balakrishnan.