The meeting between Federation of OMR Resident Associations (FOMRRA) and Tamil Nadu Private Water Tanker Lorry Owners’ Association, was held on June 16.
FOMRRA represents over 100 Resident Welfare Associations where more than 400,000 families reside in the IT hub of Tamil Nadu. The current water crisis in Chennai, especially on OMR and adjoining areas was the major focus of the meeting. Ideas and problems were discussed at length, said a press release from FOMRRA.
Tanker lorry owners represented by president Nijalingam and secretary Murugan expressed their concerns about the absence of a proper law or framework of rules. They also pointed out that bottled (mineral) water and tanker water should be considered as two separate entities. Similarly water should not be weighed in at the same scale as extraction of minerals from the soil, they said.
The release said FOMRRA has committed to appeal to the government to bring about changes in the laws that would enable the tanker association to maintain a smooth supply of water.
On OMR, basic amenities like potable water — piped or otherwise — are not supplied by MetroWater (CMWSSB), and we are entirely dependent on private tanker lorries to fulfill our daily needs, the release from FOMRRA said.
Taking the path forward, FOMRRA and the Tanker Owners Association have decided to form an arbitration committee, where representatives of both organisations would discuss questions of excessive pricing, undercutting, inconsistent supply and other related issues, the release said.
