Car wash services across Chennai shut shop, workers lose jobs

CHENNAI: The raging water crisis has hit vehicle wash service stations, with many shutting shop. This has resulted in job losses, impacting the livelihood of workers dependent on these facilities.
R Manikandan, proprietor of Extremo Car Garage at Pallikaranai, said he had been forced to close shop and return to his native village in Triruvannamalai district as there was no business. “We had been relying on tankers after groundwater dried up in February. Now, even private tanker operators are unable to supply water,” he said. Three of his employees continued to come to the shop, offering dry cleaning services to the few motorists and two-wheeler riders trooping in, said Manikandan, adding that he was returning to the city on Tuesday.
Service providers estimate there are about 500 water wash service stations in the city where a car requires about 50 litres of water for a wash. While the few capable of offering exorbitant rates continue services, the majority have wound up.
C Sathish in-charge of Crystal Clear Car Clinic at Mogappair East said the number of cars coming in had dwindled to a fraction. “From five cars a day, it has drastically dropped to five a month leading to retrenchment of two employees. We are managing through recycling and through rainwater harvesting that has helped maintain the groundwater level,” he said.
At least seven water wash stations within a 1-km radius of their facility had downed shutters, he added.
Jai Bajaj showroom-cum-service centre at West Mambalam had put up a notice a fortnight ago saying water wash services cannot be done due to water shortage, said K J Kalathiappan, general manager (two-wheelers).
Some service stations are dedicating a few of their staff members to coordinate with private water tanker operators to source water and help continue the business. K Anand of Venkateshwara Service Station said private tanker operators had increased rates manifold from Rs 1200 to Rs 3,200 for a tanker with a capacity of 8,500 litres.
“But, we cannot afford to revise our tariff for water wash as it would mean losing regular customers,” he said.