The district administration has warned that stringent action will be taken against those obstructing tanker lorries supplying drinking water after collecting it from public and private sources in Ernakulam.
District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla said in a release that local bodies and the police should not stop such vehicles without the permission of the district administration. An order to this effect was issued by the District Collector following complaints that water tanker lorries were stopped from rendering its services in the district.
Complaints
Those having complaints related to the supply of drinking water in tanker lorries could register it through the toll free number 1077 at the District Collectorate. Mr. Safirulla said drinking water remained a public asset and it was the responsibility of the district administration to ensure its availability to the public.
Steps have been taken to protect the water sources in the district. But stringent action would be taken against those supplying drinking water that lacked quality standards. The Collector has entrusted the District Health Officer and Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Department to act on such complaints. The district officer, Groundwater Department, will submit a report on the quantity of water that could be extracted from the wells in each region without affecting the water availability in the area.
The transport officers have the responsibility of ensuring that polluted water is not being supplied through water tanker lorries. Special squads have been formed to inspect water tanker lorries and tankers in Ernakulam. The District Health Officer will be the nodal officer of the team.
Action on complaints received through the toll free number will be taken without delay.
The representatives of the district drinking water transporters association said they had withdrawn the move to suspend the supply of water from Sunday onwards following the assurances given by the District Collector. They had decided to shut down operations alleging that checks by enforcement agencies had affected the smooth supply of water tanker lorries in Ernakulam.
