Greeshma Gopal Giri | ENS MERE spattering, brief spells will not suffice for certain parts of Ambattur Municipality this year; the prayers are for heavy rain. Delayed monsoon has led to wells drying up and groundwater level getting depleted. Water scarcity is particularly acute in the localities in and around Mogappair East and West. The hand pumps, which supply Metro water, have become pieces of artefacts. "There is no proper supply of water. Often the pumps are dry. Even if water comes through these pumps it cannot be consumed. It's black and stinks," says Manjula, a homemaker. The residents say when there is acute shortage, they have to depend on Metro water. "This water is exclusively for drinking and supply limited as the demand is high," says bank employee Vasanthi. Moreover, this supply comes only when people raise a hue and cry. Private agencies make a killing supplying water in these areas. The aggrieved residents also complain that they have to walk for miles to the nearest water tank to get water for other household purposes. People of Ambattur Municipality say authorities express helplessness and point to reduced water level in lakes and reservoirs. Heavy downpour is what these people are pinning their hopes on.