Date:04/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/04/stories/2005080414330300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

MCV fixes upper price limit for water supplied by tankers

Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam (MCV) has set the upper price limit for supply of water by tankers in the city. The price came into effect from July 25.

The price applies to all the parts of the city and licences of tankers collecting more than the price decided will be cancelled, according to the Municipal Commissioner, N. Srikant.

The following are the rates: for a 1,000 litre tanker: Rs.125; 5,000 litres: Rs.300; 10,000 litres: 590; and 12,000 litres: Rs.650. The MCV supplies water free of cost by its tankers to parts of the city facing acute shortage and caters only for some areas. It does not supply water directly to private consumers. This leaves residents facing water problems with no choice but to get it from private tankers.

The Commissioner has admitted that exploiting the situation some persons supplying water by tankers are charging exorbitant rates. "The MCV's action is intended to remedy the situation, regulate the rates and facilitate water supply at proper rates to consumers,'' he said.