Chennai’s IT hub grapples with tanker cartels’ stranglehold on water needs

On a typical day along Rajiv Gandhi Salai in Chennai, formerly known as Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), the hum of water tankers is a familiar sound. The bustling corridor, a thriving hub of IT parks, high-rise apartments, and commercial complexes, has become the epicentre of a lucrative and contentious water tanker cartel operation, fueled by the area’s chronic water shortages.

In a region where daily water demands far exceed municipal supply, residents and businesses along the corridor have increasingly turned to private water tankers to bridge the gap. This reliance has enabled a network of water tanker operators to carve out a profitable niche, often at the expense of desperate customers.

While these tankers play an important role in filling the gap left by the government’s insufficient water supply, they also present a number of challenges, including high costs and questionable water quality. 

“An 8,000-litre tanker costs Rs 1,200. Given that each apartment consumes about 450 litres of water a day, this equates to three tanker loads every month. In total, an estimated Rs 1,000 crore is spent annually on tanker water in this area,” said Harsha Koda, co-founder of the Federation of OMR Residents Associations (FOMRRA).

These tankers provide a lifeline for many residents and businesses. The cartel wields monopoly power, manipulating both water supply and prices. During the hot summer months or droughts, the situation worsens. Municipal water taps run dry, leaving only the fleet of tankers that crisscross the area. 

The operators, aware of their critical role, set exorbitantly high prices. A typical household’s water bill is significantly higher than it would be in normal circumstances, putting additional financial strain on families already dealing with high living expenses.

The quality of water is another pressing issue. The tankers frequently draw water from unregulated, and sometimes illegal, borewells. This water is rarely treated or tested, posing serious health risks to users. Complaints about the quality of tanker water are common, yet residents find themselves with no alternative but to continue using it. 

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However, many apartment complexes along the corridor have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety and quality of the water they receive from tankers and invested in on-site water treatment plants. These plants treat the tanker-delivered water before it reaches the taps of residents, making it safe for consumption and daily use. 

“When private tankers deliver water, we measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) and hardness to ensure quality before allowing them to fill our tanks,” said PVK Ravikumar, president of Amethyst Owners Association, CasaGrand Amethyst, Elcot Avenue in Rajiv Gandhi Salai.

Behind this thriving business is a web of corruption and collusion. Local officials responsible for regulating water supply and tanker operations are frequently complicit. The private water tankers have an association where they set prices. However, since 2019, these tankers have been operating under licences. Groundwater depletion is an alarming consequence of unchecked extraction. 

Ironically, municipal water tankers frequently draw water from the same sources as private tankers. However, reliance on municipal tankers is minimal due to their infrequent and unreliable deliveries. Additionally, the cumbersome process of procuring water from municipal sources forces residents to depend on private tankers, which operate on contract in Rajiv Gandhi Salai.

Residents and businesses are not completely complacent in the face of this challenge. Some apartment complexes and IT parks have started implementing water conservation measures. Rainwater harvesting systems are becoming more widespread, and greywater recycling is being investigated as a means of reducing reliance on tankers. 

FOMRRA has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. The Federation, representing the collective voice of numerous residential communities, has been at the forefront of addressing the water shortage and challenging the dominance of the water tanker cartels. 

The group has also recognised that relying solely on external solutions is not enough. As a proactive measure, they have initiated several key strategies aimed at reducing dependency on the tanker cartels and ensuring a more sustainable and reliable water supply for the residents. One of the primary initiatives championed by FOMRRA is the promotion of rainwater harvesting. 

“Recognising the potential of harnessing Chennai’s seasonal rains, we have worked diligently to install rainwater harvesting systems in residential complexes. These systems capture and store rainwater, significantly reducing the need for tanker-supplied water. The Federation has assisted numerous communities in becoming more self-sufficient in terms of water supply by encouraging and facilitating the installation of these systems,” Koda stated.

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In addition to rainwater harvesting, FOMRRA has been a strong advocate for greywater recycling. This involves the treatment and reuse of wastewater from showers, sinks, and washing machines for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and toilet flushing. By implementing greywater recycling systems, residential complexes can reduce their overall water consumption, further diminishing their reliance on tanker water. 

FOMRRA’s efforts extend beyond just technological solutions. The organisation has actively engaged in collective bargaining with water tanker operators. By negotiating on behalf of multiple residential communities, FOMRRA has managed to secure more favourable terms and prices for water delivery. This collective approach not only helps reduce costs but also ensures a more consistent and reliable supply of water for residents.

Koda’s wife Prabha, co-founder of FOMRRA, said, “Educational campaigns form another pillar of FOMRRA’s strategy. The organisation conducts workshops and seminars to educate residents about water conservation practices and the importance of sustainable water management. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of conservation, FOMRRA empowers individuals to contribute to the broader effort of mitigating the water crisis.”