The City Municipal Council’s failure to supply drinking water to the residents of Chamarajanagar properly, has come as a boon to owners of private water supply tankers.
No layout in district headquarters has escaped the acute problem of drinking water, which is due to disruption in power supply at water purification centres at T Narsipur and Mangala.
Also, apathy of elected representatives and loopholes in local administration has strengthened illegal water trade of private tankers.
Private tankers
Private tankers charge Rs 450 for a 7,500 litres of water, which escalates to Rs 500 during festivals and other celebrations.
More than 10 private tankers operate in the city, among which few of them have even dug additional borewells to facilitate their business.
They have also violated the regulations introduced by State government banning illegal water trade.
It has also come to light that a majority of the private tankers do not possess licenses to supply water.
Though the district administration has powers to seize borewells and ensure scientific water supply through priavte tankers, officials have remained oblivious and have failed to take any action against the violations.