The Organisations for Nature Conservation and Environment (ONCE), Tiruchi, has expressed concern over the reported move of the State government to privatise drinking water supply in the city.“We understand that such a model has already been implemented in Coimbatore and there are plans to extend it to Salem, Tiruchi, and across Tamil Nadu. 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,” said the organisation in a representation addressed to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.The organisation, comprising various NGOs, said the proposed move raised several serious concerns. The move threatened the citizens’ basic right to access safe drinking water and place an undue burden on poor and middle class families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. Handing over an essential vital service to private entities will reduce transparency and accountability, it said.“Packaged and mineral water companies are already earning huge profits from our natural resources. Extending privatisation to public drinking water supply will deny common citizens their rightful access to nature’s resources. We firmly believe that your people’s government must ensure direct, equitable, and affordable delivery of drinking water as a public service on humanitarian grounds,” the organisation said and urged the Chief Minister to reconsider and withdraw the proposal to privatise drinking water supply in Tamil Nadu. Published - July 30, 2026 05:03 pm IST