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Help Chennai, it's drying up

The water crisis in Chennai, India, is getting serious. As per media reports, one small can of water costs Rs10. Ten small cans will mean Rs100 per day for a small family, that too at minimum usage. And this money goes to private tankers which sell water. How can a poor man spend such money for water every day? The thirst of the have-nots should make the government wake up. The water mafia is now fleecing people.
The government has failed to anticipate the water shortage and ensure proper supply. Private water tanker firms are charging Rs3,500 per tanker. This criminal act should not be ignored. Women, children and senior citizens lining up in front of municipal water taps as early as at 4am is a common sight. The situation is grim with all major water reservoirs running dry.
In such a crisis, water should be rationed from top downwards. The chief minister along with other government officials should set an example by reducing water usage. The central government should step in and arrange for supply of water. Rivalry between neighbouring states needs to be curbed to protect human life. Water wars can erupt if immediate steps are not taken. Water conservation is becoming very crucial.
-Aftab Ahmed, Dubai