BHOPAL: Ahead of summer season, Bhopal Municipal Corporation BMC ) will keep a watch on private vehicles supplying water. Majority of these vehicles operate without permit and do not stick to rates fixed by the civic body to supply water.According to a senior BMC official, the move comes following demand from citizens to fix rate for water tankers in the city. "Private water tanker rates can vary- anything from Rs 700 to Rs 1200 per household. When a colony avails the service, the cost can be anything up to Rs 5,000. The BMC needs to take note of the situation," said Pradeep Singh, a resident of Kolar Those feeling water shortage pinch are at the mercy of water supply from private tankers, which make Rs 50 lakh per day, according to conservative estimates. There are around 2,000 private water tankers. Compared to norms, BMC has only 120 tankers where norms stipulate that there should be one tanker for every 25,000 city residents.In recent past, the civic body purchased only 20 new vehicles to supply water and around 70 have been rented. With municipal water supply proving inadequate in summer months, private water supply industry is thriving.BMC officials also admit many operators are using pseudo names on vehicles. Instances of Nagar service, Corporation Water Service or simply red coloured tanks are violating norms.BMC water testing wing has never assessed any tanker for water safety. "In these tankers, water is filled from unfiltered sources. As per law, the BMC should act against the violation," admitted a BMC official.BMC admits that 16 of the 85 wards could face severe water shortage before summer season sets in. Upper Lake is a primary water source for most of these wards. Other wards are on the city outskirts.

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