A fiery political confrontation unfolded at Chennai’s Ripon Buildings on Thursday as DMK and AIADMK councillors clashed intensely over which party deserves credit for the Nemmeli desalination plant, disrupting the Greater Chennai Corporation council meeting. The 100 MLD facility, vital for supplying drinking water to southern Chennai, became the center of a heated debate reflecting deep-seated Dravidian rivalries. AIADMK’s Ward 182 councillor KPK Sateesh Kumar asserted that former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s 2013 inauguration marked the project’s true completion, dismissing the DMK’s role despite the foundation stone being laid in 2010 by M Karunanidhi.

The argument escalated when Sateesh Kumar claimed his microphone was cut off mid-speech, prompting AIADMK members to stage a dramatic walkout in protest. DMK councillors countered that Karunanidhi’s administration initiated critical planning, funding, and approvals, without which the plant would not exist. Mayor R Priya intervened, stating that Sateesh Kumar was granted 22 minutes—well above the norm—and insisted all parties received equal speaking time. The walkout highlighted ongoing tensions over historical contributions to Chennai’s infrastructure.

The Nemmeli plant, operational since 2013, produces 100 million liters of potable water daily through reverse osmosis, serving over 10 lakh residents in areas like Sholinganallur and Velachery. Costing over ₹500 crore, it addresses acute water shortages exacerbated by urbanization and climate challenges. A 150 MLD expansion is underway, underscoring its growing importance as Chennai’s demand is projected to hit 2,000 MLD by 2030.

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Separately, Sateesh Kumar raised concerns about public smoking, demanding designated zones to protect non-smokers from health risks in parks and bus stands. Mayor Priya acknowledged the issue but clarified that tobacco control involves state and central coordination. She committed to exploring pilot zoning in high-traffic areas like Marina Beach, balancing public health with regulatory limits.

The council clash exemplifies Tamil Nadu’s enduring DMK-AIADMK rivalry, where infrastructure achievements fuel legacy battles. While both parties claim victory for Nemmeli, residents remain the ultimate beneficiaries. As political theatrics subside, the focus must return to sustaining and expanding water security for a rapidly growing Chennai.

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