Chennai, July 11: With the water crisis in the southern metropolitan becoming severe and tap water running dry, the first train carrying water from Jolarpet in Vellore district is expected to reach Chennai on Friday. This is in line to give some relief to the ailing residents of Chennai, who are suffering from water crisis since last three months.

The first water train is a delivery of the promise made by the ruling dispensation, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had stated that his government would bring in 10 millions of litre (MLD) water per day via rail network to tackle the crisis gripping across the state. Chennai Drought Forces Hospitals to Buy Water for Surgeries, Tanker Mafia Gains Momentum

Also, a sigh of relief arrived for the southern state on Wednesday when Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) successfully conducted a test run of pumping Cauvery water from Mettusakkarakkuppam underground storage tank. This water was pumped to pipelines with valves which would be used for flushing water in rail wagons.

Here's Video of Water Crisis Situation in Chennai:

Reports state, as Zee News writes, that the water would be transferred to rail wagons from the 50 scour valves through the existing pipelines. For this, the state government has brought 50 tankers to Jolarpet to take water to Chennai.

Earlier, reports emerged the severe water crisis has affected the city hospitals in Chennai and they are forced to rely on water trucks and bottled water for surgeries. Even some opine that water mafia has gained momentum and are charging Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 for 20,000 litres of water, which was priced Rs 1,200 in April.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2019 11:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).