Pvt tankers cut down water supply due to non-availability

“There are around 4,500 private water tanker lorries plying in and around Chennai. Yet, we could not meet the demand due to low groundwater levels,” K Selvaraj, secretary, Tamil Nadu Private Tanker Operators Association said.

Condemning the governments’ crackdown on private tanker lorries, the association had announced an indefinite strike commencing from Monday. However, they postponed the strike till the election processes are over.

“The government has promised us to fulfil our demands and sought time till Prime Minister’s swearing-in ceremony. Our main demand is to license us and regularise borewells,” he added.

He pointed out the severe action taken by the authorities against the tanker lorries is also a reason for the cut in supply.

On an average, private lorries used to supply more than 200 MLD (million litres per day) prior to the official crackdown and summer. Apartments in South Chennai, especially along the Old Mahabalipuram Road where the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board is yet to provide piped water, completely depend on private water supply.

Apart from apartment residents, commercial establishments such as IT companies and hotels buy water from private lorries.

“After the water crisis began, many individual house owners also call us seeking water. But we are struggling to meet their demands as we have limited sources. Some residents of villages from where we procure water are protesting while we tap groundwater,” Selvaraj said.

Explaining the source of water, he said that private tanker lorry owners either buy water from owners of borewells or lease borewells.

“Metrowater supply in our area is trickling down. It takes at least a week to supply water after we book. This forces us to opt for private water even though they charge relatively higher than the Metrowater. If the government bans private supply, we will suffer,” M Vishnupriya, a resident of Choolaimedu said.