NGOs Urge Tamil Nadu Government to Drop Reported Water Privatisation Plan

TIRUCHI: The Organisations for Nature Conservation and Environment (ONCE), a collective of non-governmental organisations based in Tiruchi, has expressed strong opposition to the reported move by the Tamil Nadu government to privatise drinking water supply in the city. In a representation addressed to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the organisation said such a model is already in place in Coimbatore and is reportedly being considered for expansion to Salem, Tiruchi and other parts of the state.

The representation stressed that water drawn from natural sources is a fundamental human right and a common heritage of all citizens. It cannot and should not be treated as a commercial commodity. The organisations believe that handing over an essential vital service like drinking water supply to private entities would not only threaten the basic right of citizens to access safe water but also place an undue burden on poor and middle-class families who are already struggling with rising living costs.

ONCE also raised concerns about transparency and accountability. It argued that packaged and mineral water companies are already earning huge profits from the state's natural resources, and extending privatisation to public drinking water supply would deny common citizens their rightful access to nature's resources. The organisation urged the Chief Minister to reconsider and withdraw the proposal, asserting that a 'people's government' must ensure direct, equitable and affordable delivery of drinking water as a public service on humanitarian grounds.

While the state government has not yet made any official announcement regarding the privatisation of drinking water supply in Tiruchi, the representation reflects growing anxiety among civil society groups over the potential commodification of a basic necessity. Similar concerns have been raised in other parts of the country where public utilities have been managed by private operators.

Proponents of privatisation often argue that involving private players can improve efficiency, reduce water loss and enhance service quality. However, critics point to cases where privatisation has led to higher tariffs and reduced access for vulnerable sections. The outcome of ONCE's appeal will be closely watched by residents and civic organisations across Tamil Nadu.