ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case that presents a contemporary story on the struggle for access to and control of water, a scarce resource in Chennai, and the state capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai's struggle for water deeply impacts not only Kuthambakkam, a village on the outskirts of Chennai where the water supply is relatively plentiful, but also other rural areas and the entire state. Even in the midst of rampant caste politics, anti-social activities like brewing illicit liquor, and lack of amenities and hygiene, this village has been prosperous due to its longstanding and highly effective rainwater harvesting practices. State government is responsible for managing water and irrigation, and while almost the entire state is water-starved during drought summers, Chennai is a focal area. The all-India market for packaged water is $145-210 million and is growing at the rate of nearly 40% per annum.
