HMWSSB is implementing measures to combat Hyderabad’s rising water demand this summer, deploying extra tankers and cracking down on illegal bookings.
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is gearing up to tackle the looming water shortage as summer approaches, with demand already rising significantly. The board is expanding its tanker fleet, optimizing supply operations, and cracking down on illegal bookings to ensure a steady supply of drinking water to Hyderabad’s growing population.
The Greater Hyderabad region, covering 18 municipalities and 17 panchayats, relies on key reservoirs such as Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, Singur, Manjira, Krishna, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Godavari Phase 1 to meet the needs of nearly 1.5 crore residents. Currently, HMWSSB supplies 550 MGD (million gallons per day) through 13.7 lakh water connections. However, rapid urbanization and population growth over the last decade have placed immense pressure on water resources.
Rising Demand and Emergency Measures
Compared to last year, Hyderabad is witnessing an even greater surge in water demand. HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy revealed that in January alone, tanker bookings increased by 66% compared to the previous year. The situation is expected to worsen, with demand projected to rise by 80-90% in March and April.
To handle this spike, HMWSSB has added 100 extra tankers to its fleet and reduced the filling time for each tanker, allowing faster deliveries. The number of daily trips has also been increased to ensure better coverage, especially in critical areas like Ayyappa Society, Kondapur, Gachibowli, Kukatpally, Shaikpet, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Ameerpet, Quthbullapur, and Bandlaguda. These locations account for nearly 80% of tanker requests, as borewells in these areas have dried up, leaving residents entirely dependent on the Water Board.
Crackdown on Illegal Tanker Bookings
HMWSSB has also launched a crackdown on fraudulent tanker bookings. Investigations revealed that some Water Board staff and tanker drivers were misusing the booking system by reserving 100-200 tankers under fake credentials and then selling them at inflated prices.
One case involved a single connection in a slum being used to book 100 tankers, later traced to a tanker driver’s phone number. In response, the board has blocked over 100 such fraudulent numbers and initiated strict legal action, including fines and arrests, against those involved.
Preventing Water Wastage
Officials have also raised concerns over the misuse of drinking water for non-essential activities such as washing vehicles. Since the Water Board treats and supplies water from the Godavari at Rs 50 per kiloliter, using it irresponsibly is a punishable offense. Authorities are considering increasing fines to discourage wastage.
Long-Term Water Solutions
While HMWSSB is implementing short-term measures to manage this summer’s demand, the Telangana government is focusing on long-term solutions. The state is actively planning the second and third phases of the Godavari River project, expected to be completed within two years. Once operational, these projects will ensure a stable water supply for the next five years.
Additionally, the Mallannasagar reservoir, which currently holds 50 TMC of water, is undergoing dual-phase expansion work. Upon completion, this initiative is expected to secure Hyderabad’s water supply for the next decade.
With summer fast approaching, HMWSSB is urging citizens to conserve water and adopt rainwater harvesting techniques. Public awareness campaigns are being launched to encourage responsible usage and prevent future shortages.
