Thiruvananthapuram: Tankers add to traffic chaos

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the coming up of more high-rise buildings, the movement of water tankers in the city has also increased alarmingly, adding to the vehicle congestion in the city. While the builders allege restrictions in water supply to high-rises due to the unholy nexus between some Kerala Water Authority (KWA) officials and tanker operators, the KWA officials maintain that proper water connections as per the existing norms were being provided to high-rises.

It is estimated that around 200 tanker lorries move around in the city and suburbs daily carrying water to hospitals and flats. The cost of an average load of 11,000 litres is between Rs. 2,000 and 3,000 and it even goes up to Rs. 4,000 during summer. Unlike other heavy vehicles, no restriction could be imposed on the movement of water tankers. Over these years the state capital has also witnessed fatal accidents caused by water tankers. The quality of the water being supplied is also a cause of concern.

Deputy commissioner of police G. Jayadev said that though no major issues pertaining to water tanker lorries had come to his notice in the recent past, the increasing movement of tankers during peak hours was undesirable. However, since it is related to water supply, no blanket restrictions could be imposed, he said. The builders lament that they were compelled to depend on tanker service as the KWA followed stringent norms for supplying water to high-rises. "An unholy nexus of a section of KWA officials and tanker lorry owners is the reason for KWA officials to follow stringent norms," said CREDAI former national vice-president N. Reghuchandran Nair.

KWA managing director A. Shainamol said that the issues with water connection to high-rises were sorted out and they were being provided water as per norms.
According to sources, the norms stipulate that high-rises should be given connection from a line of not less than 150 mm (six inches). Builders point out that pipes above six inch were not so common in the city. Hence many high rises are getting connection through long service lines of around one inch. This affects the water pressure. Moreover, high rises are allowed only one connection and restrictions were imposed in collecting water in sumps. "We have been suggesting that high-rises should be given connection from the nearest biggest pipeline available," said Mr. Reghuchandran Nair. KWA is now supplying water to tankers mainly from Aruvikkara, Choozhattukotta, Vanditadom and Attingal. Restrictions were imposed on supply from PTP and Vellayambalam.