Water Board Sets 15-Day Deadline to Finalise Water Contingency Plan, Proposes Treated Water Policy

Directing officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to meet Hyderabad's future drinking water requirements, strengthen contingency measures for potential water shortages, streamline tanker management, and expand the use of treated water, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director Ashok Reddy has issued a series of directions aimed at ensuring long-term water security for the city's growing population. 

Reviewing the Board's preparedness, Ashok Reddy said Hyderabad's expanding limits under the Comprehensive Urban Renewal and Expansion (CURE) programme require scientific planning to meet future water demand. With additional water expected from the Godavari project and Osman Sagar over the next one to two years, he directed officials to prepare infrastructure plans covering reservoirs, pipelines, pumping stations, valves and junctions to ensure efficient distribution.

Noting that Singur Reservoir currently has water sufficient for only about 50 days, the MD instructed officials to prepare contingency plans based on water availability in the Singur and Manjeera reservoirs to ensure uninterrupted supply in the event of delayed monsoon rains. He also directed officials to identify areas that experienced shortages last summer and complete planning, tendering and execution of required infrastructure works within the next 15 days.

Ashok Reddy also called for improved management of the city's tanker network by establishing dedicated filling points for high-capacity tankers, strengthening monitoring of online bookings and deliveries, and initiating action against negligence in tanker operations.

To reduce dependence on potable water for non-drinking purposes, he instructed officials to promote the use of treated water among government institutions, industries, gated communities and private sewage treatment plants (STPs). He also proposed a dedicated policy for supplying treated water for industrial, construction and landscaping purposes.

Ashok Reddy stressed that there would be no compromise on water quality, directing officials to respond promptly to contamination complaints, restore supply only after quality checks, and ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply through advance planning, efficient management and optimal use of available water resources.