After more than a decade, water likely to flow in Koyambedu taps again!

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Water is likely to flow again in taps of Asia’s largest perishable goods wholesale market as Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is planning to have more than five drinking water fountains in Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex besides holding discussions to resume water supply in the market, according to official sources.
CMDA sources also said that talks are on with Metro Water officials to restore Koyambedu water connections that were severed for more than a decade.
“We are in discussions with the Metro Water and once the current development works in the market comes to an end by this month, things may progress smoothly,” a CMDA official said.
Interestingly, Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited in its study has also recommended setting up of public drinking water fountains in more than five locations and CMDA sources told Express that it is studying the recommendation. Sources said initially plans are on to have one public drinking water fountain at flower market besides fruits and vegetable market is likely to have two each.
Surprisingly, the wholesale market, which has 2,108 shops, did not have water supply for nearly a decade. “Initially, in the beginning we did get water but then the water connection was cut,” said traders.
But officials blame the traders. “They have did not pay water cess worth Rs two crore,” said a Market Management committee source. A CMDA official said that discussions are on with Metro Water officials to resolve the issue. Currently, Metro water is supplying water through its trucks to nine tanks in the market. “We are filling up the tanks so that people in the market can use it for their daily use,” the CMDA official said.
Meanwhile, traders have welcomed the steps taken by CMDA to restore water supply. Wholesale Flower Market Association Secretary Mookiah hailed the move by CMDA stating that it will benefit traders.