As thousands of Mumbaikars struggle with inconvenience due to suspended water tanker services, the crisis is having a severe impact not just on residents, but also on the owners and workers who depend on this business for survival. Many tanker owners had bought their vehicles on loans, and with operations halted, they are now unable to pay EMIs, let alone salaries for drivers, cleaners, and managers.

On Friday, mid-day visited areas across the western suburbs, eastern suburbs, and central Mumbai to understand how the suspension of private water tanker services is affecting those behind the wheel.