Tanker mafia exploits Sirsa’s water crisis

The water crisis in Sirsa district has taken a serious turn as a tanker mafia has become active and is making huge profits from the locals reeling under shortage. As summer begins and temperatures rise, water shortages are affecting both urban and rural parts of the district. Taking advantage of the situation, private water tankers are charging high prices from the people, who are forced to buy water to meet their daily needs.

These tankers are being operated by people with alleged political protection and the silent support of some officials from the Public Health and Engineering Departments. Even the local police are reportedly not taking action against them. The locals say that every year during summer, the tanker mafia becomes more powerful and begins large-scale water supply operations at high prices.

Though the tankers have slogans like “Jal Amulya Hai” (Water is priceless) written on the tank, they are charging Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 per tanker. In many areas, especially in Sirsa city and towns such as Kalanwali, water is not being supplied regularly by the government. The shortage has affected both drinking water availability and irrigation for the farmers. As a result, people have no option but to depend on private tankers.

The situation is worse in border villages of Sirsa, where drinking water is not reaching homes even after several days. When water arrives, it only reaches a few families and the rest are left waiting. The poor and those living in remote areas are the most affected. To make matters worse, some tankers from Sirsa are transporting water to drought hit regions in Rajasthan, where they earn even more money.

The residents say that instead of taking strict action, local officials are helping the tanker operators. The mafia reportedly runs their business mostly at night to avoid being caught. The villagers are angry and are demanding immediate government action to control water being sold on the black market.

Meanwhile Congress MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, has written to Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil on May 3, expressing deep concern over the worsening water crisis. She stated that under the Bhakra Dam agreement, Haryana was entitled to 9,500 cusecs of water, but at present, only about 4,000 cusecs are being received. She blamed the Punjab Government for unfair water distribution and demanded that Haryana’s share be restored immediately.

Kumari Selja said Haryana, especially districts like Sirsa, plays an important role in food production and industrial development, so water supply must be ensured. She also demanded that the Bhakra Dam’s storage capacity be improved by removing sediment and Haryana’s water share be increased by at least 50 per cent to meet current and future needs.

The citizens are calling for strict government action, not only to stop the tanker mafia but also to improve water infrastructure. They say the government should provide piped water supply and punish those exploiting the crisis.