Agitation on indiscriminate water drawing in Chennai suburb

Chennai, Sep 27 (UNI) Tension prevailed in Suburban Ambattur today following a road roko by more than 1,000 members belonging to about 30 public welfare organisations to check indiscriminate exploitation of water resources.

They alleged private water tankers operating with political patronage were drawing water from local tank beds and ponds, including from the Ambattur Lake resulting in water scarcity in the surrounding areas.

As their repeated pleas on the issue did not get the desired response from the authorities, the welfare organisations joined together and formed ''Bharathi General Federation'' to find a solution to the problem.

A 1000-member group started a protest march towards Ambattur Taluk Office.

As they were stopped by the police, they staged an impromptu demonstration squatting on the road.

As the agitation continued, CPI State Secretary D Pandian and CPI(M) Senior Leader W R Varadarajan reached the spot and extended their support to the protestors.

On receipt of information, Villivakkam MLA B Ranganathan, Amabattur Municipal Chairman Sekar and officials rushed to the spot and pacified the agitators.

They assured necessary action would be taken to stop tankers from drawing water from the Ambattur Lake.

Following the assurance, the protestors dispersed after a two-hour long agitation.

Traffic was hit on the arterial Ayambakkam Road following the agitation.

UNI