WATER CRISIS IN CITIES: THE CASE OF ‘DAY ZERO’ IN CHENNAI, INDIA

Abstract

Many cities around the world face a severe water crisis as a result of the rapid growth of urban population, industrialization, and climate change. Such is the case of Chennai, India, wherein June 2019; the city woke up to the unfortunate news that all the main water reservoirs of the city have dried. This crisis came as a surprise because the city and its surroundings have been traditionally home to numerous water bodies and rivers along with a canal, making it a unique city with a wealth of water distribution channels and adequate drainage. Chennai has the potential to be a water resilient city but instead is facing a water crisis.