Residents of villages under Vellithiruppur panchayat near Anthiyur staged a road blockade on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), demanding regular drinking water supply.Women carrying empty pots intercepted two Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses on the Puravipalayam village road and squatted on the road in protest.According to the residents, Puravipalayam, Karaimedu and neighbouring habitations in the panchayat had been facing a drinking water shortage since the beginning of summer. They alleged that despite repeated petitions to the panchayat administration, no effective steps had been taken to address the issue and that water had not been supplied for the past 10 days.Police personnel and panchayat officials rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters. Officials assured the residents that immediate measures would be taken to restore drinking water supply to the affected areas. Following the assurance, the protesters withdrew the blockade and dispersed. Traffic on the route was affected for a brief period due to the agitation. Published - June 17, 2026 06:58 pm IST