Kerala Water Authority's Admin Fee on Tankers Strains Water Supply

Panampilly Nagar councillor Antony Painuthara has flagged concerns over the Kerala Water Authority's administrative fee imposed on water tanker operators alongside regular water charges. The increased cost burden is hampering the civic body's ability to supply drinking water through tankers, he said.

Health standing committee chairperson Seena Gokulan has demanded that the charges be rolled back, citing the impact on water distribution services. The dual levy—water tariffs plus administrative fees—has made tanker operations more expensive, disrupting supply chains in areas reliant on this mode of water delivery.

The issue highlights tensions between regulatory revenue collection and public service delivery in Kerala's water management system.