ANNOUNCEMENTS
It is possible to uncover a vast literature on the varied politics generated by different socio-technical mediations between humans and water, especially the informal economy of water supply in tube wells and tankers, as well as the unplanned settlements in Delhi. The sprawling hub of unauthorized neighborhoods at the edge of Delhi makes this area difficult for the state to control and regulate, and this, in turn, causes further arrangements outside of formal regulation, driven by necessity or advantage. Considering water access, infrastructure, or informality from this perspective allows further insight into what is often a generalized understanding. The academic literature is increasingly in agreement that informal water delivery is important in cities throughout the developing world, but public opinion is generally divided. Citizens consider informal water vendors to be extortionate "mafias," and are calling on government to regulate the businesses. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of their operation and the illegalities associated with this business. As part of this study, we attempt to investigate the effects of legalizing this market. A key finding of this study is the acceptance of the operators due to efficient operations and water being an essential utility. We examine whether government regulation is justified in New Delhi, India, where water issues have become increasingly pressing, and informal water vendors, also known as "water mafias," have increased in influence and number. By investigating two key questions, this study aims to determine whether private water tankers engage in anti-competitive behavior: 1) Is private water tankers monopolistic, and 2) Do private water tanker prices vary based on the characteristics of the people they serve? In this regard, tankers are contributing to declining groundwater levels, and government intervention is needed.
Keywords: Tanker Mafia, municipal water politics, Private Water Tankers.
