Tanker lorries distributing drinking water within the city limits should be registered with the Kochi Corporation and should display the registration number prominently on the vehicle.
Registration procedures will begin on Thursday. Tough penal measures including cancellation of permits will be taken if tanker lorries that are not registered with the Corporation were found operating within the city limits.
This was among the decisions taken at a meeting convened by Mayor Tony Chammany here on Wednesday to ensure supply of quality water by tanker lorries. The decision will come in to force from May 20.
The meeting was attended by officials of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), the district health department and representatives of the tanker lorry owners' welfare association. Tanker lorries should be painted blue before they are engaged in distribution of drinking water. Tanker lorry operators should collect water to the maximum extent possible from the Kerala Water Authority.
Drinking water should be supplied only subject to the approval of the health department. If the water was found unfit for consumption, stringent action will be taken against the guilty. Mr. Chammany sought the cooperation of lorry owners in implementing this decision.
KWA officials said that water will be made available to tanker lorry operators from its facilities at Thammanam, Choondy, Aluva, and Muppathadam. Another meeting will be convened by May 20.
