Chandigarh: The municipal corporation (MC) is set to purchase 10 new water tankers to augment its water supply capacity in crisis-hit areas, particularly densely populated colonies, during the summer season.According to officials, the MC engineering department has finalised the specifications for the tankers, which will be made of stainless steel to ensure water purity. Each tanker is estimated to cost around Rs 40 lakh, taking the total expenditure to about Rs 4 crore. The tankers will be procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).MC sources said the engineering department is in the process of phasing out several existing tankers that have completed their 15-year service life, in line with govt norms. At present, the civic body has only 15 operational water tankers, which are considered insufficient to meet rising summer demand, especially in colony areas. During emergencies, the department is often forced to hire tankers from private operators.“In areas with economically weaker section and rehabilitation colonies, water is largely supplied through tubewells. During peak summer, these frequently develop mechanical or motor-related faults, making tanker supply essential,” an MC official said.Based on experiences from previous years, the engineering department has also mapped out potential water crisis zones and plans tanker deployment accordingly.Officials said the MC will also hire additional drivers for the new tankers and bear the entire operation and maintenance costs to ensure uninterrupted water supply during the summer months.
