Corp’s new permit raj to rein in water tanker mafia

KOCHI: The Kochi corporation is planning to introduce a permit system for tanker lorries that supply drinking water in city to ensure the quality of drinking water supplied by private tankers.
"Nobody knows whether the drinking water supplied by private parties are actually treated or clean. We just believe they supply drinkable water. However, it is high time we introduced a system to check the quality of water," said V K Minimol, chairperson, health standing committee.
At present, the corporation supplies around 80,000 litres of drinking water through contract every day and spends around Rs 16 lakh for the same every month.
"Around 90% of the tanker water is supplied by private firms from in and around Ernakulam," she said.
Authorities believe that once the permit system is introduced, the entire water supply system can be streamlined.
"Only trucks with permits, issued by the corporation, will be allowed to supply drinking water within the corporation limit. These trucks will undergo frequent quality checks. To make this initiative a success, we need to receive support from residents' associations, business establishments and other consumers who largely depend on these private water suppliers," Minimol added.
But corporation authorities admit that they do not know the exact requirement of drinking water for the city, which is expanding at a rapid pace.
Meanwhile, residents welcomed the initiative. "Such a mechanism is the need of the hour. These private parties usually supply drinking water to apartments at night. This prevents us from checking certificates related to the quality of water, police verification, condition of the tanker, etc. And if we ask them for certificates, they will stop water supply next day. It's almost like a mafia," V K Sankarankutty, president, All Kerala Apartment Owners' Apex Association said.
Majority of the apartment complexes in Kochi depend on tanker water and pay a minimum of Rs 800 for a load of 5,000 litres.
Sankarankutty said that it was the responsibility of the civic body to ensure water quality, electricity, better connectivity, etc. of the residents.
"But, this permit system may not be effective. While the corporation may earn more revenue, the responsibility of supplying clean water still rests with private tankers. It would be better if the civic body does the job directly," he said.