The North Mylapore pumping station in Chennai has seen it all — from the era of letting untreated sewage into the sea, to sewage farms at Kodungaiyur, Koyambedu, Nesapakkam and Pallikaranai. | Photo Credit: Sriram V.
Walking around one rainy morning in Chennai’s Santhome area, I paused by the local office of TANGEDCO or whatever it calls itself these days. It is a tiny colonial building tucked away besides the bishop’s house, with its interior in a shocking state of upkeep. A stone at the terrace level dated the structure to 1927, which means it will turn a 100 come January 2027. I don’t expect a celebration of any kind but nevertheless, a milestone age will be reached.
Cut to Sullivan’s Gardens (now P.S. Sivaswami Salai). A pumping station there is celebrating its centenary this year. The light green-coloured Greek-style edifice can hardly be seen, hidden away behind high gates and being below ground level. The pediment however juts out and on it is inscribed the legend, 1926. What would we do without this marker? Like TANGEDCO, I wonder if the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is aware of this centenary.
Published - November 04, 2026 11:28 am IST
Source: The Hindu · Sriram V.
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