Private water tankers in city to revise rates

Working president of Tamil Nadu Private Tanker Operators Association N Nijalingam said, “The association has not revised the tariff since the last one year. Previously, we were increasing the fare every year. We were reluctant to overburden the people as water is an essential commodity. Now, we have no other go, but to increase the charges in 2019. However, we have not fixed the quantum of increase, there may be a Rs 100 hike.”

Currently, one load of tanker lorry costs around Rs 700 to Rs 1,500, depending on the distance from the source. “The increase in price is going to lay more stress on the household expenditure. We always purchase water from lorries after March. But this time we are heavily dependent on these tankers during the monsoon itself,” said a regular customer.

“The prices have to be increased this time as the water level at identified sources have receded. It would not be enough to supply for both the retail and residential customers in the coming days. We are hopeful to find more sources. But it would cost us more given the price of the fuel,” industry sources said. This news comes at a time when the city recorded a 52 per cent of rain deficitthis monsoon.

“The demand has increased steeply. For instance, a commercial establishment purchases 100 loads of water per month. Usually, they manage with 60 loads and the rest with the aid of groundwater. Owing to the failure of monsoon, they are completely relying on us. It aggravates stress on the water resources as well,” said Nijalingam.