HMWSSB Maps Sewage Flows, Plans Trunk Mains, STP Capacity Expansion for Durgam Cheruvu

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is planning a permanent system to stop sewage from entering Durgam Cheruvu, with officials asked to map sewage flows, review private STPs and identify new pipeline and trunk main requirements.

HMWSSB Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy, who inspected the lake, directed officials to identify the quantity of sewage, treated water and rainwater entering Durgam Cheruvu through different routes.

Officials have been asked to prepare a comprehensive flow map from the starting points of nalas to the lake within one or two days. The board will also assess existing pipeline and STP capacities and examine the need for new sewage lines and trunk mains, keeping projected sewage volumes up to 2047 in view.

A survey of private STPs in hotels, commercial complexes, high-rise buildings and residential communities around the Durgam Cheruvu catchment will also be conducted. It will assess sewage generation, STP capacity, actual treatment levels, reuse of treated water and discharge points.

Ashok Reddy directed officials to ensure sewage and stormwater systems are completely separated and examine dedicated pipelines wherever required. Flow meters may also be installed at select locations to monitor discharge from private STPs and ensure only treated water is released.

The MD also asked officials to speed up ongoing desilting, pipeline connections and sewage diversion works. Alternative diversion arrangements should be examined to prevent sewage from flowing back into colonies when STPs are not functioning or blockages occur.

The board will also study ways to increase existing STP capacities using modern technology without requiring additional land or major construction.

To help maintain the water balance of nearby lakes, HMWSSB plans to divert treated water from STPs instead of allowing it to go waste. Officials have been asked to assess the treated water available from each STP and the requirements of nearby lakes and prepare lake-wise plans for pipelines, pumping systems and other infrastructure.

Coordination with HYDRA, CMC, HMDA, the Irrigation Department and other line departments will be taken up to resolve land and pipeline-related issues.