Pvt tanker operators should reduce their profit: Velumani

After holding talks with private water tanker lorry owners here, Velumani said that they should collect a reasonable charge from the residents after factoring in their expense, including diesel cost, driver salary and toll charges.

“For every locality, we told them to collect a fair charge. The charges should be reduced in some of the places where people considered it high. The water supply should be done as per seniority based on registration,” he said. But he also noted that the lorries were travelling long distance to fetch water now.

At various parts of the city, the residents complain that the private tankers have steeply hiked the charges from Rs 3,500 in May to Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 this month for a 12,000-litre tanker. But the tanker lorries owners denied the allegation, and claimed that they had taken action against the errant lorry owners who collect excess charges. As on date, 6,000 private lorries make 18,000 trips a day to supply water. Besides, the water supply is being done through 5,000 tractors.

Velumani said that if the public have complaints on charges, they should communicate to the lorry owner’s association or Metrowater. Pointing out the steps taken by the Metrowater to supply 525 million litres a day (MLD), he said that they were sourcing 180 MLD from two desalination plants, 180 MLD from Veeranam and Neyveli mines, 110 MLD from groundwater sources in Tiruvallur and rest through quarries, lakes and borewells.

“The Chief Minister would soon lay foundation stone for the 150 MLD desalination plant at Nemmeli and 400 MLD plant at Minjur. Once these are commissioned, the city would have permanent source of water to meet its requirements,” he said.

The Minister also appealed to the public to cooperate with the officials who inspect the rainwater harvesting structures. “We have formed teams to visit every home to inspect the rainwater harvesting structures,” he said.