CHENNAI: Be prepared to shell out more on those 20 litre water cans that quench your thirst. Prices of cans and other packaged water are likely to increase as the Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association (GTPDWMA) began an indefinite strike on Sunday.
Office-bearers of the association said the strike has been called for two reasons. One, several water units had been closed by the revenue department for limiting ground water extraction. And two, imposition of 18 per cent tax on can water under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. They now plan to meet Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami for redressal. The strike will continue till the grievances are addressed.
Association office bearer V Murali said, several water units have been asked to close down by local revenue officials, citing drought.
“In Madhavaram, 30 units were closed last week. Another 80 units in Sholavaram Taluk in Tiruvallur district have been issued notices,” he said.
He dismissed the stance that water units deplete the groundwater resource. “We are not using the water for purposes like manufacturing cola. We are only assisting in providing safe drinking water to people, especially when the government is also struggling to supply water through tanks or pipes,” Murali said.
On the proposed GST, which will jack up prices, he said since 2007 there has been no tax on cans and pouches. “The State should explain the prevailing circumstances and try to get exemption on water cans from the GST council, which Tamil Nadu is part of,” Murali said.
There are around 350 water units in the three districts of Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur. Several of those units are participating in the strike, Murali said, adding that together they produce approximately seven lakh cans per day each with a capacity of 20 litres.
Each can is now priced around `35-50, but the price could go up in view of the strike. Don’t be surprised if you end up paying double the normal rate.
“We are bringing this to chief minister’s notice. Until we get an assurance from the government that no water unit that is operating legally will be closed, the strike will continue,” Murali said.