How is the sale of water by farmers to water dealers in Chennai affecting the local people? Do you think local people can object to such exploitation of groundwater? Can the government do anything in this regard?
Social StudiesClass 8CBSEAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Answer: Due to the shortage of water, private companies have got an opportunity and are selling water to cities by buying it from places around the city. In Chennai, water is taken from nearby towns like Karungizhi Palur and Mamandur village to the north of the city, using a fleet of over 13,000 water tankers. Every month, the water dealers pay an advance to farmers for the rights to exploit water sources on their land. This way, the water that is taken away is not just creating a deficit for agricultural purposes but also increasing the shortage of drinking water supplies in the villages. As a result, the level of groundwater has dropped drastically in all these towns and villages.
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