Hyderabad, Oct. 14: The Telangana government has stepped up preparations to maintain uninterrupted drinking water supply to Hyderabad amid concerns over the anticipated impact of El Niño.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju reviewed water supply preparedness across the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC) and Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) areas on Tuesday.
He directed officials to use available water resources efficiently and ensure that residents do not face inconvenience despite the possibility of reduced reservoir levels. He also appealed to citizens to conserve water and cooperate with the government’s measures.
Hyderabad Plans Additional 60 MGD to Strengthen Water Supply
Officials informed the review meeting that Hyderabad receives drinking water mainly from Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, Manjeera, Krishna and Godavari sources. The combined available supply from these sources is around 560 million gallons per day (MGD).
The government has drawn up a plan to arrange an additional 60 MGD to meet the city’s drinking water requirements. The proposed measures include 15 MGD from the Krishna River, 40 MGD through Mission Bhagiratha and 5 MGD from Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.
Officials also reported that around five thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water is available at Mallannasagar. The pipeline project to transport water from Mallannasagar to Hyderabad is expected to be completed in November. Once operational, it is expected to provide another 20 MGD.
Jaju noted that groundwater levels had declined over the previous two to three months compared with last year. This has increased demand for water tankers across the city.
He instructed officials to ensure that sewage treatment plants in gated communities and apartment complexes operate at full capacity. Residents should use treated wastewater for gardening, vehicle washing and other non-drinking purposes.
Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) officials said special green tankers were being arranged to supply treated wastewater.
The government is also preparing alternative drinking water arrangements for Medak, Nizamabad, Kamareddy and Sangareddy districts. These areas depend on the Manjeera and Singur reservoirs, where water availability is limited. Officials have identified borewells and other alternative sources.
Jaju said drinking water supply remains a government priority and that funds would not be a constraint. He noted that conserving 20 per cent of water across the three municipal corporations could save around 80 MGD daily.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prevent water wastage, particularly the use of drinking water supplied by HMWSSB for washing vehicles. He also ordered a 60-day public awareness campaign involving film personalities, celebrities and other prominent figures.
The government has urged residents to conserve water as Hyderabad prepares for possible supply pressures associated with El Niño.
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