Pune:
Pune is reeling from one of the worst water crisis the city has seen. And the one who's cashing in on the crisis - are the private water tankers.
"What can we do without water? We can't wash clothes, utensils, nothing," says a local.
"It's really difficult. We are not getting water. We have to depend on water tankers," says another.
There is a 40 per cent water cut in the city. Several areas get water only on alternate days. So sometimes a tankerful, goes for as much as 3,000 rupees.
"It's not feasible. See diesel rates have gone up. We have to pay for drivers and cleaners. We can't operate on such low rates," said Ulhas Katke, a tanker owner.
Rough estimates suggest that there are over 500 private water tankers operating in the city and most of them are cashing in on the crisis. And while the administration is aware about this black marketing of water they seem to be helpless.
"If need be, we will seize the private tankers if they don't comply with our orders," said Nilesh Nikam, Chairman, Pune Municipal Corporation.
For Punekars, it's the worst water crisis in four decades. The government is willing to crack down but not in a position to offer solutions.