Yes, the Hand Pump used to get potable water is the KING OF CHENNAI. Most areas have these pumps installed by the Metro Water department and the residents use them for pumping out water for their usage. The energy and skill needed to dish out water from these are very high and also synonymous to them are the fights for rights too.
One such installation at Triplicane.
Pic courtesy : My son
We still use this in my paatti’s place. What I found strange when I was young was that it was on the first floor. I used to think how did ground water come up so high. Rusted and all of 40 years of use and still it is used on a regular basis with no problems whereas the motor pump needs the electrician every few weeks. The simplest solution is sometimes the best one.