Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a major initiative to bring 20 tmc ft of water from the Mallannasagar reservoir to Hyderabad to address the city’s growing drinking water demands.
The decision, made during a meeting with officials of the water board, marks a significant step in securing the city’s future water needs. Incidentally, this is the first-ever time that a Chief Minister, who is chairman of the HMWS&SB, presided over the board’s meeting, since Telangana’s formation in 2014.
Reddy expressed deep concern over the board’s financial losses to the tune of Rs 8,800 crore, which he attributed to the flawed policies of the BRS government.
The meeting evaluated water sources for the Godavari Phase 2 project, with Mallannasagar being chosen over Kondapochammasagar based on factors like water availability and cost-effectiveness. The project’s scope was enhanced from the earlier 15 tmc ft to 20 tmc ft to accommodate Hyderabad’s rising water demand.
Officials informed that the water board was providing potable drinking water to the city through 13.79 lakh tap connections, supported by a 9,800-km long distribution network.
Presently, water supply is sourced from the Manjira, Singur, Godavari, and Krishna rivers. The meeting also reviewed project plans for Godavari Phase 2, aimed at enhancing water supply to Osmansagar and Himayatsagar.
Revanth Reddy directed the HMWS&SB to plan infrastructure improvements and prepare a comprehensive strategy to cater to Greater Hyderabad’s water needs through 2050. In order to keep pace with the city’s rapid expansion, Reddy stressed on the importance of ensuring a sustainable supply of safe drinking water.
He called for a coordinated plan for sewage management alongside water supply, urging officials to consult external agencies and prepare a detailed study. The board was tasked with developing a holistic action plan addressing both current requirements and future challenges.
HMWSSB managing director K. Ashok Reddy presented a financial report that highlighted a significant revenue deficit of Rs 8,800 crore. The board’s income, sufficient to cover salaries of the employees and maintenance, is overshadowed by Rs 4,300 crore in water bill dues from government departments, Rs 5,500 crore in electricity bills and Rs 1,847 crore in outstanding loans.
To overcome these challenges, Reddy proposed immediate coordination with the finance department and recommended exploring ways to enhance the board’s revenue. He asked the employees to ensure regular collection of pending bills from non-residential consumers since 20,000 litres of free water is being supplied to residential consumers. He also asked officials to explore possibilities of securing low-interest loans for new projects.
The officials reported that pipelines supplying water from the Manjira River, operational since 1965, are now obsolete, causing frequent interruptions during repair works. They said that whenever pipeline repair works are undertaken, water supply was being disrupted for 10 to 15 days causing hardships to residents.
The Chief Minister approved the construction of a modern alternative pipeline and suggested seeking funds from the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.
Chief secretary A. Santhi Kumari, MAUD principal secretary Dana Kishore, and special chief secretary (finance) K. Ramakrishna Rao were present in the meeting.
