Chennai: Airports Authority of India (AAI) may be gearing up to set up new retail shops, including those that will sell packaged food, but these shops will not be allowed to bottled water, at Chennai airport.
This will mean that shops at the airport will continue to sell bottled water at an expensive rate as there will be little competition.
This means that bottled water will remain expensive and will be sold only by the existing food and beverages outlets offering little competition in pricing.
An official said the retail contract says that outlets could be installed to sell packaged food but it was unfair to bar them from selling bottled water because the contract is already with F&B.
The authorities should set up stalls where water will be sold at the price in which it is being sold in the city."
"Passengers should be given a choice," he added.
The packaged food and beverages come with the special price stamped on it with a label that they are specially priced for airport.
A senior official said AAI was attempting to provide bottled water at cheaper rates inside the terminal.
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He told The Sun: “I’ve had to pay £20 to go in a taxi to get bottles from wholesalers, it sells out so fast.
"People are desperate and that money has to come from somewhere.” Thames Water has been active on social media as it desperately attempts to fix water pipes that were attacked by Storm Emma and the “Beast from the East” last week.
They tweeted: “We are pleased to say that supply in your area should be returning in NW3 and NW4 after we fixed two burst pipes and restored water pressure in the pipes.
Thames Water also apologised to those in the E3 area who were without water due to a burst water pipe on Devas Street.
South East Water, Southern Water and South West Water have also informed customers of their efforts to deliver water where pipes have been plagued.
A low-pressure system has been forecast to hit the UK over the weekend that could bring further water chaos.
More snow could fall as a result of the new front.
“This will cause some wet and windy weather and we are looking at gales and a lot of rain in parts of the country.
“It will bring some cold air back into Scotland, and this is where some talk of the cold returning could be coming from, and there is quite likely to be further amounts of snow.
“Ahead of the weekend there could be some further problems with snow in Scotland, elsewhere it will be milder and slightly unsettled.”

SHOPOWNERS are charging £8 for a bottle of water as taps continue to run dry in thousands of homes.
Residents spotted the rip-off prices in corner stores cashing in on the crisis.
PR boss Mark Sands, who was shopping in Streatham, South London, said: “Day four with no running water and retailers selling five-litre bottles for £8 last night.
PA:Press Association It’s hugely annoying.” A five-litre bottle can sell for as little as £1 in supermarkets.
But one defiant shopkeeper defended the hike.
He added: “I’ve had to pay £20 to go in a taxi to get bottles from wholesalers, it sells out so fast.
People are desperate and that money has to come from somewhere.” Homes began running dry at the weekend when the thaw from the big freeze burst pipes across the South.
Yesterday water firms were warned they face a multi-million-pound compensation bill.
Industry regulator OFWAT said the companies had failed customers and ordered an urgent probe.
Thames Water, South East Water, Southern Water and South West Water were all criticised.

According to Planning and Development Division sources, per capita water availability at the time of creation of Pakistan was 5,600 cubic meters, but presently it stands at only 1,000 cubic meters and it will be further reduced in next couple of years, as Pakistan has failed to improve its water storage capacity in the country.
Despite claims by the government to construct storage for 5.218 million acre feet of water during 2013 to 2018, the government has been able to manage storage capacity for 3.54 million acre feet of water.
41.422 billion in PSDP for water sector which was 18 percent of the total development allocations but the present government reduced it in its first year 2013-2014 when its allocation for water resources was just 10 percent of the total development allocations.
During the year, 2015-16, this allocation was further reduced to just 4 percent of the total allocation for the development.
It has been planned by the Planning Commission that concrete measures would be taken to increase water storage capacity from the current 30 days to 45 days by 2018 and 90 days by 2025.
Due to lack of water storages in Pakistan, there is no additional water to be injected into the system and there is no feasible intervention leading to make more water available for the consumers.
Due to lack of proper facilities for consuming water, about two million acres of land has been lost to sea water intrusion in coastal areas of Sindh province, and the problem is getting even worse due to inadequate environmental flow and allied issues.
Edible oil is one of the major imports of Pakistan, and with fair and integrated management of water can cut this import bill largely and save billions of dollars being used for the import of the oil.
At present due to shortage of water, the country is even forced to import cotton and vegetables.
There is also shortage of clean drinking water and about 80 percent of diseases in the country are water borne claiming 40 percent of death.

South Florida stores order drinking water, hurricane supplies as jittery locals empty shelves.
South Floridians swarmed local stores Monday, emptying shelves of drinking water and other supplies as Hurricane Irma strengthened to a Category 4 storm.
When he arrived at the Morningside Publix he decided to stock up.
More Videos 1:14 Hurricane Irma strengthens to category 4 as storm nears Leeward Islands Pause 0:36 Watch as Hurricane Irma spins through the Atlantic 0:38 Hurricane Irma’s menacing eye strengthens 0:33 Hurricane warnings and watches in Caribbean as Irma approaches 5:08 Adam Gase news conference after Dolphins-Vikings 0:46 Drivers pass growing wildfire near Los Angeles freeway 0:40 Hurricane Irma remains strong Category 3 as track shifts south 0:33 Hurricane Irma moving west 0:33 Hurricane Irma strengthens to Category 3, churns closer 1:18 Cigarette thief swipes 36 cartons valued at $1,000 Video Link Embed Code Facebook Twitter Email Hurricane Irma strengthens to category 4 as storm nears Leeward Islands NOAA released new satellite imagery that shows a strengthening Hurricane Irma approaching the Leeward Islands.
Drinking water was sold out Monday at the Walmart Supercenter at 3200 NW 79th Street; Walmart’s public relations spokesman said the company had decided not to comment on storm supplies, saying “they are focused primarily on ensuring smooth operations and want to avoid a rush on stores.” At Sunset Harbor in Miami Beach, water was sold out Monday afternoon; a manager told shoppers it would be restocked Tuesday.
This scientist can show you Hurricane Irma now a Category 4, Governor Scott declares a state of emergency Everything you need to survive a storm The latest on how Hurricane Irma might affect Dolphins’ season opener As Hurricane Irma grows stronger, South Florida gears up for the storm Miamians stocking up on water at Walmart in case #HurricaneIrma impacts South Florida.
pic.twitter.com/d7K8DgjRLF — Joey Flechas (@joeflech) September 4, 2017 At home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, store spokespeople said that the businesses are monitoring the storm and have plans to meet demand.
More Videos 1:14 Hurricane Irma strengthens to category 4 as storm nears Leeward Islands Pause 0:36 Watch as Hurricane Irma spins through the Atlantic 0:38 Hurricane Irma’s menacing eye strengthens 0:33 Hurricane warnings and watches in Caribbean as Irma approaches 5:08 Adam Gase news conference after Dolphins-Vikings 0:46 Drivers pass growing wildfire near Los Angeles freeway 0:40 Hurricane Irma remains strong Category 3 as track shifts south 0:33 Hurricane Irma moving west 0:33 Hurricane Irma strengthens to Category 3, churns closer 1:18 Cigarette thief swipes 36 cartons valued at $1,000 Video Link Embed Code Facebook Twitter Email Hurricane Irma’s menacing eye strengthens Video from NASA of Hurricane Irma’s eye on Sept. 4, 2017.
“Today we have shipped more than 325 truckloads of product to Florida in preparation for the storm.
Never miss a local story.

South Florida stores order drinking water, hurricane supplies as jittery locals empty shelves.
South Floridians swarmed local stores Monday, emptying shelves of drinking water and other supplies as Hurricane Irma strengthened to a Category 4 storm.
When he arrived at the Morningside Publix he decided to stock up.
More Videos 1:14 Hurricane Irma strengthens to category 4 as storm nears Leeward Islands Pause 0:36 Watch as Hurricane Irma spins through the Atlantic 0:38 Hurricane Irma’s menacing eye strengthens 5:08 Adam Gase news conference after Dolphins-Vikings 0:33 Hurricane warnings and watches in Caribbean as Irma approaches 0:46 Drivers pass growing wildfire near Los Angeles freeway 0:40 Hurricane Irma remains strong Category 3 as track shifts south 0:33 Hurricane Irma moving west 0:33 Hurricane Irma strengthens to Category 3, churns closer 1:16 UM running back Mark Walton on the running games success in the victory over Bethune-Cookman Video Link Embed Code Facebook Twitter Email Hurricane Irma strengthens to category 4 as storm nears Leeward Islands NOAA released new satellite imagery that shows a strengthening Hurricane Irma approaching the Leeward Islands.
Drinking water was sold out Monday at the Walmart Supercenter at 3200 NW 79th Street; Walmart’s public relations spokesman said the company had decided not to comment on storm supplies, saying “they are focused primarily on ensuring smooth operations and want to avoid a rush on stores.” At Sunset Harbor in Miami Beach, water was sold out Monday afternoon; a manager told shoppers it would be restocked Tuesday.
This scientist can show you Hurricane Irma now a Category 4, Governor Scott declares a state of emergency Everything you need to survive a storm The latest on how Hurricane Irma might affect Dolphins’ season opener As Hurricane Irma grows stronger, South Florida gears up for the storm Miamians stocking up on water at Walmart in case #HurricaneIrma impacts South Florida.
pic.twitter.com/d7K8DgjRLF — Joey Flechas (@joeflech) September 4, 2017 At home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, store spokespeople said that the businesses are monitoring the storm and have plans to meet demand.
More Videos 1:14 Hurricane Irma strengthens to category 4 as storm nears Leeward Islands Pause 0:36 Watch as Hurricane Irma spins through the Atlantic 0:38 Hurricane Irma’s menacing eye strengthens 5:08 Adam Gase news conference after Dolphins-Vikings 0:33 Hurricane warnings and watches in Caribbean as Irma approaches 0:46 Drivers pass growing wildfire near Los Angeles freeway 0:40 Hurricane Irma remains strong Category 3 as track shifts south 0:33 Hurricane Irma moving west 0:33 Hurricane Irma strengthens to Category 3, churns closer 1:16 UM running back Mark Walton on the running games success in the victory over Bethune-Cookman Video Link Embed Code Facebook Twitter Email Hurricane Irma’s menacing eye strengthens Video from NASA of Hurricane Irma’s eye on Sept. 4, 2017.
“Today we have shipped more than 325 truckloads of product to Florida in preparation for the storm.
Never miss a local story.

Biz Buzz: HOPE story at Virginia Center Commons sells water that fuels organization’s mission.
Local nonprofit HOPE has opened a shop at Virginia Center Commons mall to raise money to support the organization’s efforts to help local families.
Ollie Harvey founded HOPE, which stands for Help Our People Eat, in 1999.
Since then, she has helped children and families who have fallen on hard times.
The shop’s main product is bottled water, which sells for $2 a bottle, plus T-shirts and other items, much of it donated, Harvey said.
The organization’s bottled water used to be carried at two area retail stores that have closed, Harvey said.
“Anything that you see in the store is donated to us.
We have candy, earrings, children’s jewelry, socks, sunglasses.” Stony Point Fashion Park will give free retail space to one enterprising startup for six months as part of a mall contest.
The winner gets free retail space and use of existing fixtures and utilities from Nov. 1 to April 30.
The campaign features an online store called “Maymont Memory Company” where people can make donations in exchange for virtual gift packages of blades of grass, rays of sunshine and boxes of rocks.

New Report Reveals Fast-Fashion Retailers Like H&M and Zara Are Linked to Devastating Pollution.
It’s because of problems like unjust conditions for garment workers, for instance, that more and more industry insiders are urging for progress.
According to Buzzfeed News, the report — published by The Changing Markets Foundation — claims that fast-fashion brands like H&M, Zara, and ASOS are contributing to local waterway pollution and the emission of "noxious gases" because of the factories they work with in China, Indonesia, and India.
The petition reads as follows: "The clothes you sell have been directly linked to devastating air and water pollution at viscose factories in Asia.
So, where exactly is the pollution coming from?
It’s important to note, however, that both brands have been transparent about it and are dealing with inquiries related to their suppliers.
She also added that they want the producers to improve their viscose processes to be more sustainable, but if they’re unwilling, they will stop sourcing from them.
H&M already "set a goal to achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020" and is working to find a more sustainable option to viscose, Buzzfeed News reports.
As for Zara, a spokesperson from their parent company, Inditex, told Buzzfeed News that they work "continuously with its suppliers to improve conditions and ensure that they adhere to sustainable practices" and added that they "use environmentally responsible processes."
The spokesperson added: "Most suppliers have reached this goal, and with others, we continue to work to address their environmental impacts – a requirement to remain as an Inditex supplier."

Retail giants H&M, Marks & Spencer, Zara and others have been accused of purchasing material from factories in Asia which are turning rivers black with toxic pollution. According to campaign group Changing Markets Foundation, the retailers are buying material from Chinese and Indian viscose factories. Despite it often being promoted as an ethical fibre as it is plant-based, these factories use a chemical intensive process which produces dangerous pollutants. The waste from the viscose manufacturing process is reportedly putting locals’ health at risk, contaminating drinking water and raising the likelihood cancer. Changing Markets Foundation’s report stated that in Jiangxi, south-east China, the production of viscose has turned the water of a local lake black, killing wildlife and stunting crop growth. READ MORE: M&S launches new environmentally sustainable & community-focused plan Furthermore in Pradesh, India, a spike in birth defects and cancer has been reported after the ground water and soil was contaminated by viscose waste. “Cheap production, which is driven by the fast fashion industry, combined with lax enforcement of environmental regulations in China, India and Indonesia, is proving to be a toxic mix,” Changing Markets’ report said. Changing Markets campaign manager Natasha Hurley added: “This report reveals that some of the world’s biggest brands are turning a blind eye to questionable practices within their…

Essentia Water Hits Primetime with First National Integrated Brand Campaign.
The campaign, with a concentrated focus in key markets including Los Angeles, New York City and Portland, is based on Essentia’s belief that better hydration helps people do all the things that make them extraordinary and “unlocks their full potential” whether they’re an athlete, a musician, a computer programmer or a student.
We’re a democratic brand and we are calling out to all people who aspire to be a better version of themselves to join the Essentia Nation,” said Karyn Abrahamson, VP of Marketing and Brand Innovation at Essentia Water.
“We are also evolving our marketing efforts from purely product-centric to becoming an aspirational lifestyle brand that we believe people will connect with both physically and emotionally.
A brand that understands and cares about what they care about—healthy living and being at the top of their game.” Bottled water is now the number one drink in the U.S. for the first time in history, outpacing soda sales.
According to Beverage Marketing Corp, consumption of bottled water reached 39.3 gallons per capita in 2016, while carbonated soft drinks slipped to 38.5 gallons.
The premium unflavored bottled water category, where Essentia lives, has grown especially rapidly: approximately 20 percent annually over the past three years.
This increase of consumers looking for healthier alternatives to sugary drinks has allowed bottled water to break through, but with that comes the need for differentiation.
“Broadening our visibility across the nation puts Essentia in the primetime spotlight to compete successfully within the premium bottled water category.” About Essentia Water LLC Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, Essentia Water LLC produces supercharged ionized alkaline water with a 9.5 pH or higher that’s better at rehydrating.1 Pioneered in 1998, years ahead of industry trends, Essentia continues to be the #1 alkaline water brand sold nationally and the #1 selling bottled water in natural grocery stores.
Essentia Water is the only water included in the Physician’s Desk Reference and has been clinically shown to be better at rehydrating than a leading bottled water brand.1 It’s available nationwide in approximately 50,000 retail locations and Amazon.