Villagers stage protest near Vedaranyam demanding drinking water supply

Residents of Thennadar, a coastal village near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, staged a protest on Monday demanding restoration of drinking water supply. Holding empty pots, villagers — predominantly women — laid siege to the tahsildar’s office in Thagattur, seeking immediate action.

Thennadar village, under the Vedaranyam Panchayat Union, has been facing severe disruption in its drinking water supply from the Kollidam combined water scheme for several months. With no alternative source of potable water, residents have been intermittently protesting the issue. For over 15 days now, supply has been completely halted, escalating the crisis.

Officials, including RDO Vadivalagan, Block Development Officer, Assistant Executive Engineer from the TWAD Board, and Inspector Bharathidasan held talks with the protesters and assured them of immediate action. Following the assurance, the villagers dispersed in the afternoon.