Tanker owners mull raising rates for water

“Talks are on to revise tariff. Earlier, we increased the charge every year – except in 2018, when we were reluctant to overburden the people. But now, we have no other option but to increase the tariff in 2019. We have not fixed the quantum of hike, it could be Rs 100,” said N Nijalingam, working president of Tamil Nadu Private Tanker Operators’ Association.

As the water level at identified sources has receded, there won’t be adequate supply for both commercial and residential consumers in the coming days. “We are hopeful of finding more water sources. But it would cost us more given the price of fuel,” industry sources added. “Whatever be the market price, our apartment solely relies on tankers. We have the provision to store water only for a single day. Things are only getting worse with each passing year,” said S Ragunathan, a resident of Old Mahabalipuram Road.

Amid this, the confederation of various private tanker associations has made several attempts to hold talks with the government regarding issue of licences and regularising the sector. In the absence of this, tanker lorries are being detained across the State for allegedly drawing water illegally from tanks. “Recently, lorries were detained in Dindigul and Ramanathapuram, which were released only after penalty was paid,” said an owner.

“We have sought the government’s intervention for regularising the industry. Till today (Tuesday), they are not ready to hold talks despite repeated attempts. We are planning to wait till the end of this week. If the situation continues, we will strike,” said Nijalingam.

Meanwhile, commenting on the water situation in the city, a top PWD official said Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur fell under the safe zone. “It means the extraction of groundwater from these zones is regarded highly safe.”

The recent notification from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) added further confusion given the situation. It states that industries, including packaged drinking water and dewatering units, should obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) besides paying the Central Groundwater Fee (CGF) to extract groundwater. Even individual households will have to pay CGF. The amount collected would be utilised to improve the groundwater situation across the country.