Black market sales and excessive rates of tanker drinking water to be stopped; "Sujalam Sulabham" project to be expanded

ALAPPUZHA: The "Sujalam Sulabham" scheme, which aims to prevent excessive rates and black market sales of drinking water in tankers in water-scarce areas, will be extended throughout the state of Kerala. The scheme involves online registration of the demanders and distribution through the concerned local bodies. The digital scheme that was successfully implemented by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is being extended. This was made possible in Thiruvananthapuram through the Smart Trivandrum application.

The distribution will be done by recording the required amount of water for each person by dividing the areas facing water shortage by route and entering the information of houses and institutions in a data bank. The beneficiary can book the required water online. The time of arrival of the tanker and the amount of water allocated will be recorded in the digital system so that there is no possibility of tampering.

Local bodies are responsible for distributing water through tankers in areas facing drinking water shortage. Currently, quotations are invited from lorry-tanker owners at an average rate of Rs 70-80 per kilometer for drinking water supply. Charging excessive prices for drinking water and selling it to hoteliers, among other things, has led to complaints.

Registration for tankers

1. Local bodies should bear the cost of water and vehicle rental. Local bodies should find and register tanker lorries
2. As per online booking, the Water Authority will provide drinking water to tankers through vending points fitted with meters. This will ensure the quality of drinking water

Tanker drinking water rate (in rupees)

1000 liters...................16.62

Up to 6000 liters..........330.75

Above 6000 liters.....551.25

''The project is being implemented in collaboration with the local department. A digital system needs to be developed

-Technical Section,

Water Authority