Metrowater has put its plan to tap water from the Erumayur quarries near Tambaram on hold. The civic body is instead depending on the northeast monsoon to recharge groundwater in the city, reports ToI.

Last year, the city recorded 57% deficient rainfall during the northeast monsoon, according to reports.

The groundwater reserve was thus not adequately recharged. This led to Metrowater being able to supply only half of the 830 million litres per day (MLD) required.

Metrowater is reportedly conducting 8,000 daily water tanker trips, with most of them being free trips to working class neighbourhoods.  

“As residents in deficient pockets and slums cannot afford to buy bottled water, we have increased the number of free trips,“ an official told ToI.

But if the monsoon does fail, then work on laying pipelines from the five quarries to the nearest water distribution point, will reportedly begin.

A project worth Rs.13.63 crore was mooted by the Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB) to process water from quarries in Kancheepuram to ensure supply for a water starved Chennai.

After several rounds of tests and analysis, it was decided that about 30 MLD of water will be extracted using this method.

According to reports, 22 quarries located at Sikkarayapuram near Mangadu were taken up for feasibility studies.

The water is being treated at the Chembarambakkam water treatment plant and then supplied.

Environmentalists have said that this is not advisable but agree that the city is left with few options.