Amidst concerns, plans charted to meet Hyderabad (CURE) drinking water needs, efficient usage

Amidst the prevailing concerns over future availability of drinking water, Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju said that 560 million gallons per day (MGD) is currently available in Hyderabad Core Urban Region’s (CURE) drinking water sources and plans have been charted to utilise 60 MGD of additional water.

Drop in water levels in reservoirs

The Chief Secretary said that available water has to be used efficiently to ensure people do not face issues with drinking water supply despite the decrease in the water levels in reservoirs due to El Nino phenomena. Officials were directed to curb usage of water provided by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) for washing vehicles or wastage.

The top official said that 80 MGD water can be saved everyday if people in the three Municipal Corporation limits in Hyderabad conserve 20% water.

At a review meeting held on drinking water supply at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat in Hyderabad on Tuesday (October 13), discussions were held on the current availability of water, supply of the resources to districts from Manjeera and Singur reservoirs, ways to conserve water and other aspects.

Hyderabad’s drinking water sources

Drinking water to Hyderabad CURE is primarily supplied from Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, Manjeera, Krishna and Godavari rivers. There is a total of 560 MGD water available in the sources. The top official said that plans are made to supply 60 MGD additional water, including 15 MGD from Krishna river, 5 MGD from Himayatsagar and Osmansagar, and additional water from Mission Bagiratha as well.

The pipeline works to provide the city with water from Mallanasagar — which has 56 TMC water — will be completed by November. Officials said that additional 20 MGD can be supplied from this source.

They said that the demand for water tankers shot up as groundwater levels in the city declined significantly in the past three months, when compared to the previous year. He directed officials to ensure that Sewage Treatment Plants (STPS) at gated communities and apartments in the city are fully operational. People should be made aware to use the treated water for gardening, cleaning vehicles and other non-domestic needs.

Medak, Nizamabad, Kamareddy and Sangareddy are supplied with water from Manjeera and Singur reservoirs. Mr. Jaju said that an alternative plan was made for the districts and borewells and other water sources there were identified.