Private firms to provide 400 water tankers in Delhi

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The Delhi government has decided to rope in private players for supplying 400 new stainless steel tankers to provide water to residents.

"We have invited three private companies to provide us new water tankers. This is a move which will improve our efficiency in providing water to the residents," said an official of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

"We will have a new fleet of 400 tankers. These stainless steel tankers will have a smart card which will be required to be swiped at water filling stations to facilitate check on the quantum of water being supplied," said the official.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

The Delhi Institute of Management Studies has been appointed as the consultant for the project.

Asked if this was the first move towards water supply privatisation, an official said: "It has nothing to do with privatisation."

The Delhi Jal Board has a fleet of 250 water tankers and during crises it relies upon private tankers.