Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during a meeting with Water Board officials in Hyderabad on Friday. | Photo Credit: PTI
The governing board of Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), for the first time in the separate State of Telangana, met on Friday.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Board’s chairman, who convened the meeting, said assessment of the drinking needs and sewage management of the growing population of Hyderabad must be made with the next 25 years in mind. And plans in consultation with expert agencies must be studied with 2050 as the goal.
The Board’s meeting was held here at the Integrated Command and Control Centre and witnessed the participation of members from Municipal Administration, Pollution Control Board, and Health.
‘Mallannasagar project as a water source’
Hyderabad urban agglomeration with 13.79 lakh drinking water connections in a distribution network of 9,800 km, has been drawing water from Manjira and Singur projects, rivers Godavari and Krishna through the Godavari Phase-II drinking water supply project and supplied via Himayathsagar and Osmansagar.
Based on consultancy reports that suggested high availability of water and lifting costs, the meeting discussed and decided that Mallannasagar project be used for supply of water. Instead of the proposed 15 tmc water, the Board approved drawing 20 tmc water for Hyderabad’s drinking needs.
‘HMWS&SB in ₹8,800 cr deficit’
Managing Director Ashok Reddy explaining the financial status of the water Board said income generated through various operations was sufficient to meet the department’s salaries, maintenance and expenditure costs. But about ₹4,300 crore remain as dues for HMWS&SB from various government departments. The water Board itself owes ₹5.500 crore bill to the Electricity department, and in the past has taken loan of ₹1.847 crore. HMWS&SB is currently in a revenue deficit of ₹8,800 crore, Mr. Reddy informed.
Senior officials also explained to the Board that frequent interruptions in water supply in the city are due to the pipeline that dates back to 1960s, and they require regular maintenance.
‘Towards solutions’
Mr. Revanth Reddy, while advising the department to explore ways to increase its income, said it must also ensure collection of water payments. He suggested HMWS&SB to avail loans at lower rates, and to prepare project reports accordingly.
On the condition of the old pipeline network in Hyderabad, he instructed officials for a new project for laying an alternate and modern pipelines. He advised the water board for securing related funds through the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission.
Published – January 04, 2025 12:11 am IST
