No waterlines in Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority areas

Hyderabad: Many layout developers, especially in the HMDA area, are not installing sewerage and drinking water networks as per Water Board norms, leading to the buyers again having to spend on reinstalling the pipelines. Problems like sewage blockages and pipeline bursts occur due to these sub-standard networks.

The Water Board have specifications like materials to be used and diameter of a pipe, to withstand the water pressure. The layout must firstly be approved by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. Layouts are categorised into zones like residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural. One must check under which category the plot falls.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority also approves change of land use, i.e. if the plot falls in a commercial zone, it can be changed to residential. Water Board maintenance and operational director Rameshwar Rao said, “Water Board has specific standards for sewerage and tap water pipeline connectivity.

The contractors of the Board are ordered to follow the norms prescribed. The network should be designed depending on the population. However, laymen cannot identify the quality of material or size of the pipeline installed.”

A proper layout should have a standard sewerage line with an inlet and outlet and the buyer will have to construct a sewer manhole with a silt catch pit within the premises before the Board gives the sewerage connection.

For drinking water pipelines, PSC concrete should be avoided. Instead, mild steel pipes should be used to avoid leakages and bursts. The main reason for leakages in Hyderabad is due to the old pipeline network being constructed with asbestos cement, RCC (reinforced concrete) or HDP (plastic pipes).

“The MS pipes are very easy to weld in place, are long lasting and eco friendly. Though more expensive, they are easier to repair in case of leakages as the water can be removed with ease and welding can be done,” added Mr Rao.