Date:02/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030200910200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

A money-spinner

The onset of summer has led to acute water scarcity in several parts of the city. Tanker lorries have started queuing up to collect water from the Vellayambalam reservoir. Early morning, the queue extends from the collection point in front of the Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, right through the main road up to the Keltron junction.

The number of water tankers in the city seems to be going up every year. In the absence of restrictions and a monitoring system, the treated drinking water is supplied to a large number of construction sites and commercial institutions.

While most of the lorries transport water in two or even three storage tanks fixed to the loading bay, a few who are in the business for the long run have acquired tankers like the ones used to carry petroleum products.

Apparently, transporting water is a good money-spinner.

T.Nandakumar