Dharmapuri: Residents of K Agraharam village in Koothapadi panchayat, Pennagaram taluk, refused to use muddy water supplied under the Hogenakkal Combined Drinking Water Scheme on Saturday morning, fearing health risks.The scheme is the locality’s primary drinking water source. Residents said the water was mixed with silt and feared it could cause diarrhoea, fever and respiratory infections.“The water is polluted. Families are afraid to use it even for cooking,” said R Murugan, a villager.Villagers alleged that residue and silt from the recent immersion of hundreds of Vinayaka idols in Cauvery river at Hogenakkal had entered the drinking water system. “This is not the first time we are facing such issues. The authorities must ensure proper purification before distribution,” said K Rajendra Kumar, a farmer.Residents demanded immediate intervention by the district administration, thorough treatment of the water before distribution and precautions to prevent infections.“We depend entirely on this scheme. If the supply itself is unsafe, how can households manage their daily needs?” said S Devi, another villager.
