Erratic water supply hits residents of V.I.P. Garden in Erode

Residents in V.I.P. Garden face erratic water supply, unauthorized charges, and civic neglect, demanding immediate solutions for the crisis.

With surging temperatures and unrelenting heatwave, over 300 households in V.I.P. Garden, falling under the 46 Pudur Panchayat of Modakkurichi Union, are grappling with erratic water supply.

Despite the construction of two overhead tanks—each with a capacity of one lakh litres—to facilitate piped connections, the absence of a designated tank operator has severely disrupted distribution. At present, water is released sporadically—once in every seven to 14 days—forcing residents to manage on their own. A local volunteer has unofficially taken over the task of water distribution, but the ad-hoc arrangement has fuelled frustration among residents, who continue to pay monthly water taxes without receiving reliable service.

“While it may not be our primary water source, regular supply during the sweltering summer is a basic expectation,” said a resident, requesting anonymity. Residents demand the immediate appointment of a dedicated tank operator to streamline and regularise water distribution.

In a further blow, over 50 newly connected households reported being coerced into paying between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000, despite having already deposited ₹2,000 for the water connection. Residents allege that the excess amount was forcefully collected by the panchayat plumber.

Civic apathy has further compounded the crisis. Drains remain clogged due to irregular desilting, forcing residents to spend out of pocket to hire private workers for the task. In addition, roads dug up for pipeline installation have not been restored, severely hampering daily commutes and access.

When contacted, panchayat’s special officer R. Ganesan admitted that a tank operator has not yet been appointed. He maintained that plumbers were only authorised to collect charges for pipes and denied any approval for additional payments. He also stated that the panchayat lacks the resources to undertake minor infrastructure works such as road re-laying.

46 Pudur Panchayat is one among the four panchayats that the State government had on December 31, 2024, announced to merge with Erode Corporation.