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...nor any drop to drink!

THE CALCUTTA Municipal Corporation (CMC) is planning to scrap its water barge on the ground of uneconomic operation. By operating the barge, engaged in supplying water to ships berthed in the Calcutta dock system, CMC, it is reported, incurs a loss of ab out Rs 50 lakh annually, the earning and expenditure being Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.5 crore annually respectively. CMC, the authorities say, could not afford to suffer such a huge loss indefinitely.

The Calcutta Port Trust (CPT) authorities, inquiries reveal, have no information as yet about CMC's plan to scrap the water barge. The CPT sources wonder if the CMC could take such a decision unilaterally. After all, supplying water to ships is an essent ial service which cannot be terminated at will. The service has been in force for many years, since the British days. Even if the decision to scrap the water-supply barge is final, the CPT must be given sufficient time to make alternative arrangements.

The upward revision of rates, if that helps the situation for the time being, could also be discussed, it is pointed out. -- Our Bureau