“ There are currently 96 filling stations and 1,500 water tankers operating in the CURE area. In addition, 15 more filling stations are proposed for this summer, along with the registration of over 300 additional water tankers.”How is the water board planning to deal with illegal water tankers that are depleting groundwater in and around the city? — L DineshThe govt is taking measures to regulate water tanker operations and prevent the unauthorised exploitation of groundwater. Recently, it issued an order to prevent the illegal extraction of groundwater for non-domestic purposes by bulk users. Strict action will be initiated against violations in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. In the long term, after the commissioning of Godavari Phase II and III, which together will add 320 MGD, by the end of 2027, it is proposed to provide daily or uninterrupted water supply to all households in the CURE area. By the end of 2028, Hyderabad should become a tanker-free city.What is being done to protect water bodies from sewage and chemical dumping? How is HMWSSB addressing pollution of water sources? — Prabhakar ReddyTo protect water bodies, HMWSSB has installed several sewage treatment plants (STPs) along the Musi and near other water bodies. Treated water is also being released into lakes to maintain their hydrology. We are preparing a master plan for 2047 for the entire CURE area. HMWSSB is also expanding and upgrading the sewerage network to ensure that sewage generated in the city is intercepted and conveyed to STPs. Sewerage diversion mains are being developed by HMWSSB, the Lakes Division and HYDRAA, as water bodies and lakes fall under the purview of the concerned urban local bodies (ULBs). HYDRAA, TGPCB and other enforcement agencies are involved in identifying and taking action against illegal or unauthorised discharges.What steps are being taken to prevent pipeline leakages, improve water distribution and ensure that peripheral colonies receive an adequate supply? — SanjayHMWSSB maintains a 15,000-km piped network, with pipelines ranging in age from two to 50 years. We are continuously working to reduce transmission and distribution losses through systematic inspections, repairs, maintenance and improvements to the existing water supply network. Particular attention is being given to peripheral and rapidly developing areas where population growth has increased water demand. As a long-term solution, we have engaged Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to prepare a master plan that will propose additional storage facilities in different localities to ensure uninterrupted water supply across the CURE area. By the time Godavari Phase II and III are completed, we plan to complete the ring main connecting all water sources to ensure equitable distribution across the CURE area.Is the water board taking any measures to reduce our dependence on private tankers? Can it strengthen its network in shortage-prone areas? — Kavya SantoshThe board has identified shortage-prone areas and is preparing proposals to strengthen water supply infrastructure. Special attention is being given to rapidly developing peripheral areas such as Kollur, Gachibowli, Kokapet, Neopolis and other emerging residential locations. The objective is to progressively extend the organised water supply network and improve the availability of municipal drinking water so that households do not have to depend on expensive private tanker supplies. There are currently 96 filling stations and 1,500 water tankers operating in the CURE area. In addition, 15 more filling stations are proposed for this summer, along with the registration of over 300 additional water tankers.Why isn’t rainwater harvesting (RWH) mandatory in Hyderabad? What percentage of buildings has RWH pits, and what is being done to ensure every household has a system to harvest rainwater? — Rashid KhanThe installation of rainwater harvesting systems is already part of the existing regulations. However, having regulations in place is not enough. Effective implementation on the ground and ensuring that existing recharge pits remain functional are equally important. As part of these efforts, the Water Board conducted a survey of rainwater harvesting systems in approximately 34,000 premises. Details of 24,892 structures have been registered on the JSJB 2.0 platform associated with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. We have also undertaken a programme to convert approximately 700 unused borewells into injection wells for groundwater recharge. Of these, 268 works have been completed, while another 143 are in progress.Why do some areas receive daily water supply while others get water only once every three or four days? What steps is HMWSSB taking to ensure equitable distribution across Hyderabad? — Chada Rekha RaoHMWSSB recognises that the frequency of water supply varies across localities depending on source availability, elevation, network configuration, storage facilities and local demand. Most of the ULBs were merged with HMWSSB only recently. The board is reviewing the distribution system to ensure that available water is distributed in a technically equitable manner. Once Godavari Phase II and III are completed, the entire CURE area is expected to receive equitable water supply.With concerns over falling reservoir levels and the Godavari Pushkaralu coming up, how does HMWSSB plan to ensure an adequate supply of clean water to the twin cities? — Venkatanarayanan SHMWSSB gives priority to water quality and continuously monitors its water treatment plants. Godavari water is lifted from the Yellampalli reservoir, and the raw water is treated at the Mallaram water treatment plant in accordance with ISO standards before being supplied to the twin cities. The board is preparing contingency arrangements to manage variations in water availability, particularly during summer and periods of reduced rainfall. Alternative water sources and existing supply systems are being reviewed to ensure the optimum utilisation of available resources.We are residents of the Cantonment area. We receive water once every five days, but drinking water is being used for gardening and fountains. What steps are being taken to prevent the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes? — RadheshyamHMWSSB supplies water in bulk to the Cantonment Board, which is responsible for local distribution across the Cantonment area. In addition, consumers and apartment associations are advised to ensure that internal pipelines, overhead tanks, and sumps are properly maintained. The use of STP-treated water for gardening, landscaping, fountains, and other non-potable purposes will be enforced, subject to availability.I am a resident of Miyapur, where several 50-storey towers are coming up. Does HMWSSB grant permissions or clearances for such buildings? — Sandeep KanchalwarHMWSSB examines water supply feasibility and infrastructure requirements for proposed developments falling within its jurisdiction. In the case of high-rise buildings and large residential projects, the additional water requirement is assessed based on the proposed population, number of dwelling units, occupancy, and applicable water demand norms. The availability of water in the existing transmission and distribution network, hydraulic capacity, nearby reservoirs, and pumping infrastructure are important considerations. Developers are also required to make appropriate arrangements for sewage treatment, reuse of treated wastewater and rainwater harvesting in accordance with applicable statutory requirements.The Green Tanker initiative is a step towards reusing treated wastewater. What is the long-term target for increasing wastewater reuse in the city? — Sandhya ReddyAs part of the circular economy, HMWSSB has proposed to develop treated sewage conveyance and distribution infrastructure for the long-term supply and utilisation of secondary-treated wastewater from identified sewage treatment plants (STPs). The target users include high-demand entities such as Microsoft, Amazon and CtrlS data centres, as well as manufacturing units such as Welspun in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region. The project will cover two important industrial clusters: Attapur STP to Chandanvelly and Nagole STPs to Future City. The ultimate demand is estimated at 500 MLD. The project is proposed to be taken up from next month.It is reported that private tankers are using water board logos while supplying water. What steps is the board taking to prevent this? — Nagaprasad SridharaNecessary measures are being taken to prevent the unauthorised use of the board’s name, logo, and identity by private water tanker operators. The board’s Chief Vigilance Officer and team conduct regular inspections to identify unauthorised tanker operations, and appropriate action is taken against those found misusing the board’s identity. Citizens can report such incidents through the PAANI app or the toll-free number 155313. Following a field-level inspection, a penalty of Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 is imposed. Tankers of repeat offenders are also seized.What penalties does the water board impose for the misuse or wastage of water? Do you think there is a need for stricter penalties? — Gajanan PandeyA minimum penalty of Rs 1,000 is imposed for water misuse, depending on the gravity of the violation. Illegal pumping of water from distribution lines using motor pumps attracts a minimum penalty of Rs 5,000.Are awareness campaigns being conducted to discourage the use of potable water for purposes other than drinking and cooking? — M S Krishna Kumar‘Save Water and Reuse Water’ is the slogan for the current year. Several awareness campaigns and workshops are being conducted at various levels. Measures are being taken on both the demand and supply sides. On the demand side, campaigns are being conducted to encourage people to reduce water consumption by 20% by adopting best practices in their daily use. On the supply side, alternative sources are being tapped through rainwater harvesting pits, recharge borewells and rooftop injection borewells, apart from augmenting supplies from the Godavari and Krishna rivers.Does the water board plan to work with other departments to ensure that no more high-rises are granted permission unless they demonstrate how they will meet their water requirements? — Indranil HalderHMWSSB is coordinating with HMDA, GHMC and other concerned government departments to ensure that water availability and wastewater management are adequately considered while granting permissions for new developments, particularly high-rise buildings and large residential and commercial projects. Developers are required to make appropriate arrangements to meet their water requirements, including providing rainwater harvesting structures, sewage treatment plants (STPs), and facilities for recycling and reusing treated wastewater, along with other applicable infrastructure as per prevailing rules and regulations. For large developments, the availability of an assured water source, the feasibility of providing water supply infrastructure and arrangements for sewage treatment are important considerations. The board is also strengthening its water supply infrastructure by augmenting transmission and distribution networks, identifying alternative sources, and improving existing systems.Are there plans to restore stepwells in the city? Why doesn’t the water board tap CSR funds or involve NGOs to rejuvenate old and dried-up stepwells in Hyderabad? — D AnjaliHMWSSB recognises the importance of traditional water conservation structures, including stepwells, open wells and other historical water bodies, in promoting groundwater recharge and sustainable water management. The restoration and rejuvenation of these structures generally require coordinated efforts involving the concerned municipal authorities, HMDA, the Revenue Department, the Archaeology Department and other relevant agencies, depending on ownership and jurisdiction. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, NGOs, resident welfare associations and other voluntary organisations are also involved along with the departments concerned.
