Hubballi :

Summer has just started and temperature in North Karnataka is nearing 40 degree celsius. With untimely rain failing to provide any relief, 68-year-old businessman C N Desai has come to the rescue of citizens in Hubballi to beat the heat.

Since March 1, Desai has been providing mineral water in the stall he has set up outside his shop near the busy swimming pool complex. Desai claims that he has been serving drinking water during summer since 1983.

“Once I saw kids drinking water from a street tap. Water flow suddenly stopped and the kids returned thirsty. This incident inspired me to start the drinking water service. I used to serve tap water for some years. Now, I buy mineral water cans,” says Desai.

Chandrashekar Tegginamani, a teacher in Adargunchi village, said his Hubballi visit is incomplete without visiting the Desai’s water stall. “I have been drinking water here for the past 15 years,” he said.

“More than 200 people drink water here everyday. Now we buy 10 water cans daily. In April, it is 15. Though the MRP is Rs 50/bottle, suppliers take only Rs 40 from us. We never compromise on hygiene as glasses and tables in the stall are cleaned regularly,” says Kallappa, who works in Desai’s shop. He has also been sending money to PM and CM’s relief fund.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hubballi / by Sangamesh Menasinakai, TNN / March 21st, 2015