Hyderabad Borewells | Hyderabad, Oct 20 (Maxim News): The Telangana government has decided not to allow new borewells for construction or other non-drinking purposes in Hyderabad. The decision comes amid concerns that El Niño could affect water availability in the coming months.
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan said borewells will be allowed only for drinking water, subject to existing regulations. Existing borewells can be deepened, but only to meet drinking water needs. The government says the aim is to conserve groundwater and prevent drinking water shortages.
Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) managing director K Ashok Reddy said groundwater levels have fallen by more than five metres compared with last year. Water tanker bookings have doubled, from the usual 3,500 a day to around 7,000.
Hyderabad Borewells | Manjeera and Singur water may last only until December
Ashok Reddy said the water in the Manjeera and Singur reservoirs will last only until December if they get no fresh inflows this year. To maintain supplies, the government is exploring additional water from the Godavari and Krishna river systems. Officials are also considering ways to raise supplies through the filter beds at Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar.
From November 1, the government will supply treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) to construction sites through green water tankers. It also plans to make treated water available for industries, gardening, landscaping and road medians. HMWS&SB has identified 13 filling stations within its limits and plans to expand the network.
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The government has also ordered action against people who illegally fit motors on HMWS&SB pipelines and municipal taps to draw excess water. A special enforcement drive is under way with the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and other departments. Officials warned that violators could face fines and penalties.
Jayesh Ranjan has called for awareness campaigns to encourage households to cut water use by at least 20 per cent.
On October 19, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju directed officials to prepare local contingency plans to prevent drinking water and electricity shortages. Departments have been asked to conserve resources, and officials are reviewing alternative water sources and district-level needs.
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