HMWSSB braces for future water needs as jurisdiction expands to CURE
With the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) set to expand its service jurisdiction to include Core Urban Region (CURE), the water board
With the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) set to expand its service jurisdiction to include Core Urban Region (CURE), the water board has begun preparing a comprehensive strategy to meet future drinking water requirements and strengthening its distribution network and contingency planning. Chairing a review meeting on Tuesday, Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy directed officials to adopt a scientific approach to water management, keeping in view the anticipated increase in water availability from Osmansagar and the Godavari river over the next one to two years.
He instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan covering the infrastructure required for efficient water distribution, including reservoirs, pipelines, pumping systems, valves, junctions and related facilities. He also ordered a special contingency plan for localities that experienced unexpected supply disruptions during the summer, with estimates, tenders and execution to be initiated within the next 15 days and works targeted for completion by October. Water supply in Malkajgiri corporation limits was emphasised as it faced supply issues. Officials were asked to establish dedicated filling points for high-capacity tankers and develop systems for faster water filling.
With the Singur reservoir holding water sufficient for only about 50 days, Mr. Reddy called for immediate contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply if the rains are delayed. He instructed officials to prepare scenario-based strategies depending on water availability in the Singur and Manjeera reservoirs, including alternate-day or phased water supply if required. He also stressed the need to effectively utilise alternative sources such as the Krishna and Godavari rivers, along with Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, and stated that funding should not be a constraint for additional pumping.
The review also focused on improving water tanker operations, expanding treated water use for industrial and non-potable purposes, enhancing revenue, ensuring equitable water distribution, and maintaining strict water quality standards. Joint MD Mayank Mittal, Executive Directors for the three regions, Pankaja, Samrat Ashok, and Santos, technical director Sudarshan, Operations directors Narayana, and other senior officials were present.
The BriefWire