Akola water shortage deepens as private tanker operators set their own rates

The water shortage in Akola city is turning serious. Taking advantage of the situation, a private "tanker lobby" has become active. It is alleged that, with no curb from the administration, the lobby is openly extorting money from people. From drinking water to water used for commercial and construction work, tanker operators have fixed all the rates themselves. Signs of a bigger crisis down the line because of this unchecked trade are already visible.

Water supply has been disrupted in different parts of the city, so people have to run around in search of water. In some areas the municipal corporation is supplying water. But tanker operators have exploited the situation and strengthened their hold. The tanker lobby has set separate and steep rates for commercial and domestic use. Water tankers with capacities from 1,000 litres to 5,000 litres are currently kept ready in the city.

A large-scale publicity campaign is also being run for this. Contact numbers for the tanker service have been circulated through various social media platforms so that those in need can contact the operators directly. But it is plain that neither the administration nor the municipal corporation has any control over the whole arrangement.

On one side, people are struggling for drinking water, while on the other, the tanker lobby has set up shop. The Akola Municipal Corporation and the district administration have lost their grip on this lawlessness. If strict action is not taken in time, the lobby will grow stronger and people will have to pay very high prices for water.

It is necessary to regulate tanker rates and to fine those who charge arbitrary rates without permission. Otherwise, in the coming days, Akola residents will face a financial crisis over water. Citizens demand that the administration act immediately and rein in the tanker lobby's arbitrariness.

Because of the acute water shortage in the city, people's dependence on tanker water has increased. Private tanker operators have become active to exploit the rising demand. Tankers are supplying water for domestic and drinking use as well as for commercial and construction work. The citizens' main complaint is that arbitrary rates are being charged for tanker water and that, with no effective administrative control, they are being financially fleeced.