Drinking water contaminated in Ooty town

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Residents of Masinagudi panchayat, in the Nilgiris, are concerned about the water supply and lack of sanitation in the region, as repeated requests with the authorities have fallen on deaf ears.
Located adjacent to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Masinagudi panchayat comprises a few hamlets besides Masinagudi village. The residents allege that sewage water is entering the Maravukandi dam, from where drinking water is pumped.
"Despite repeated complaints, the panchayat turns a blind eye to the grave issue," said a resident, who did not want to be quoted.
"Most of the drainage systems are not cleaned as they overflow and contaminate the Maravakandi dam," alleged the villagers.
The water from the dam in turn joins with Moyar River running through the area.
However, Pousiya, Masinagudi panchayat president, told TOI, "We clean the streets on a regular basis. But residents are not cooperative. They don't allow us to keep iron dustbins on any of the streets. They don't want the bins placed in front of the homes. They throw litter everywhere mindlessly".
As far as the sewage water entering the dam, Pousiya said, "Only during heavy rain, the storm water gushes towards the dam and contaminates it. Otherwise the sewage water does not contaminate the dam
"Within a month, the sewage would be diverted so that it does not contaminate the dam even during heavy rain," she added.tnn