Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s water security is coming under increasing pressure due to groundwater depletion, rising tanker dependence and a widening demand-supply gap.
Public policy experts have called for early measures to prepare the city for the 2027 summer. They have proposed a graded water emergency protocol, tighter groundwater regulation and restrictions on non-essential consumption.
The city currently receives around 585 million gallons per day (MGD) for more than 14.57 lakh consumers. However, the estimated requirement is around 750 MGD.
Demand is projected to rise to nearly 835 MGD by 2027. If supply remains unchanged, the shortfall could reach around 235 MGD.
Groundwater Depletion and Tanker Dependence Raise Concern
Groundwater depletion is another major concern for Hyderabad. Around 70% of the city is estimated to be over-exploiting groundwater.
Of the 16 mandals assessed, 11 are reportedly extracting between 100% and 177% of available groundwater reserves. Around 26 mandals have also been classified as critical or over-exploited.
The city is estimated to have around 10 lakh borewells. Groundwater levels have reportedly fallen to nearly 100 metres in some areas. Several borewells drilled beyond 1,000 feet have also reportedly failed.
Dependence on water tankers has increased sharply. Daily bookings rose from fewer than 5,000 in February to 8,500 by the end of March.
The number increased further to 15,200 by May 30 and crossed 20,000 in early June. Around 3.36 lakh tanker bookings were recorded in May.
About 12,500 apartments depended on Water Board tankers this year. The figure was around 4,000 during the previous summer.
Public policy expert Donthi Narasimha Reddy proposed a Hyderabad Water Emergency Protocol with graded trigger levels. These levels would consider reservoir storage, assured supply, groundwater conditions, tanker demand and weather.
During shortages, drinking and domestic requirements should receive the highest priority. Hospitals and sanitation services should also be prioritised.
Water requirements for livestock, animals and ecological needs should follow. Livelihood-critical needs of farmers, fishers and dairy operators should also be protected during severe shortages.
Experts have called for detailed groundwater surveys and mapping. They also recommended extraction limits, metering and effective implementation of the Telangana Water, Land and Trees Act.
Greater use of rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse has also been suggested. Experts stressed the need to protect livestock, wildlife, farmers, fishers and dairy operators during prolonged shortages.
They also warned that water shortages could increase heat-related illness, waterborne diseases, sanitation problems and pressure on hospitals and firefighting services.
Among the proposed measures are a Hyderabad Water Emergency Coordination Cell under the Chief Secretary and Ward Water Security Committees.
Experts have also proposed a public Water Security Dashboard and a 30-day Emergency Water Action Plan to coordinate the city’s response.
Jubilee Hills Hotel Fined ₹20,000 for Water Wastage
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has imposed a ₹20,000 penalty on a Jubilee Hills hotel for allegedly wasting water while cleaning its premises.
HMWSSB Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy noticed excessive water use while cleaning Anaganga Hotel on Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills..
He directed officials to issue a notice and impose a penalty. Officials subsequently issued a notice to K. Gayathri Reddy and collected the ₹20,000 fine.
Ashok Reddy said water is a precious resource and should not be used indiscriminately. He urged residents and commercial establishments to avoid excessive water use while cleaning premises, roads and other areas.
He also warned that action would be taken against establishments found violating water conservation norms.
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