Private water tankers in the city seem to be doing brisk business thanks to reported delays in delivery of tankers supplied by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
In fact those staying in areas like Alwal and Uppal are forced to shell exorbitant amounts to get drinking water, say citizens.
G. V. Rao, a resident of Alwal, said that residential apartment inmates are charged as high as Rs.3,000 for 5,000 litres of water, supplied by private players. “They know that people living there don’t get proper supply from HMWSSB. There’s no other option,” he mentioned, and added that drinking water tankers of the water board take a week to arrive after booking.
On asking many private suppliers, it was found out that most of them supply water only in the area where their plant is located, and some surrounding localities to keep costs low. Borewell water for daily usage was quoted at a price of Rs.1,000 for 5,000 litre, while drinking water was priced at Rs.1,500 for the same quantity.
A driver from Sree Sai Water supply, requesting anonymity, said that they charge Rs.1,400 for 7,000 litres, and Rs.2,000 for 14,000 litres. “Our prices are a little high, as our plant is at Uppal, and we are ready to go anywhere in the city. Others are restricted to nearby areas. Also, purifying water for drinking is costly, so we just supply borewell water,” he explained.
Out of more than eight private drinking suppliers this newspaper contacted, only two agreed to come to far-off places like Alwal and Madhapur, for not less than Rs.2,000 for 5,000 litres. “The more interior you are located, the higher we charge due to fuel and labour costs,” mentioned a driver, who did not want to be identified.
Also, depleting water levels due to late arrival of the monsoon has added to the woes of citizens. Dried up borewells and lesser supply of water from HMWSSB is another reason people are forced to buy water from private suppliers, said G. Shanker, a resident of Bholakpur. “The supply duration by the water board has come down due to increased demands in summer. It has only worsened the situation,” he said.
The situation has also forced people like Jyotsna Sreenath, another resident of Alwal to pay Rs.2,000 for water every month. “We don’t use much, but those who maintain the building ask for that amount, saying that prices of tankers have increased,” she said. When contacted, HMWSSB officials said that their tankers supply water on time, and that there was no delay.
