Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai strongly criticized DMK’s MSME and Slum Clearance Board Minister T M Anbarasan for administrative negligence that led to the death of three individuals after consuming sewage-contaminated drinking water in Pallavaram, Chennai, on 5 December 2024.
Annamalai’s criticism intensified after receiving water sample test results, which contradicted Minister Anbarasan’s claims. The Minister had blamed the public for the incident, citing a lack of cleanliness, a statement that sparked widespread condemnation.
On 13 December 2024, through his official account on X, Annamalai stated, “On 5 December, a tragic incident took place in Pallavaram, Chennai, where three people died and more than twenty were treated in hospitals due to sewage being mixed with drinking water. Minister T.M. Anbarasan, by blaming the public, claimed that sewage was not mixed with drinking water and that the damage was caused by the public’s negligence. The drinking water supplied in that area on that day was sent for testing, and the results have been received. One of the quality controls of the Chennai Metropolitan Drinking Water Board is that drinking water should not contain coliform and E. coli bacteria. However, the test results revealed the presence of these two bacteria in the drinking water supplied in the Pallavaram area.”
“In the flood-affected areas, Minister Mr. T.M. Anbarasan, who is responsible for supplying drinking water to the public, attempted to conceal his administrative failures and mistakes. At the peak of his arrogance, he blamed the public without even conducting basic tests. What will he say to the families of the three lives lost due to sewage contamination in the drinking water?” He questioned.
கடந்த, டிசம்பர் 5 அன்று, சென்னை பல்லாவரத்தில், குடிநீரில் கழிவு நீர் கலந்ததால், மூன்று பேர் பலியானதும், இருபதுக்கும் அதிகமானோர் மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை பெற்றதுமான துயர சம்பவம் நடந்தது. அமைச்சர் திரு. தா.மோ.அன்பரசன், குடிநீரில் கழிவு நீர் கலக்கவில்லை என்றும், பொதுமக்கள்… pic.twitter.com/ZJtvMOaZvT
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) December 13, 2024
On 5 December 2024, residents of Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Mariamman Kovil Street, and Nagaratnam Street in Tambaram Corporation have been struck by a severe health crisis, with many experiencing vomiting, fainting, and diarrhea. Over 30 individuals have been hospitalized at Chromepet Government Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, and private medical facilities. Tragically, a 54-year-old man named Thiruvedi succumbed to the illness before receiving treatment, while another victim, Mohanraj, passed away after being discharged from the hospital.
Residents allege that the issue arose from sewage mixing with the water supplied by the corporation. Complaints about poor water quality had been made for days prior to the incident, but no action was taken. Locals have reported multiple cases in their households, with entire families affected. The crisis has created widespread panic in Pallavaram. Minister T. M Anbarasan, Pallavaram MLA Karunanidhi, and Municipal Commissioner Balachander visited the Chromepet Government Hospital to console the victims. However, Minister Anbarasan suggested that the cause of the illness might be contaminated food, not water. He argued that if sewage had mixed with drinking water, a far larger number of people—potentially 300–400—would have been affected.
Despite these claims, affected residents remain unconvinced, pointing to visible contamination in the water. They allege that the corporation failed to respond to earlier complaints and only took action after fatalities occurred. Chlorination efforts were reportedly initiated post-incident, raising questions about the government’s preparedness and response.
The Tamil Nadu government has launched an investigation into the matter. Officials are examining whether the outbreak was caused by water contamination, food poisoning, or both. Meanwhile, locals continue to demand accountability and immediate measures to prevent further tragedies.
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