Strategic Plan to Address Hyderabad's Drinking Water Requirements Until 2050
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Hyderabad, Jan 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, convened a meeting on Friday with the officials of the Hyderabad Metro Water Board, urging them to devise a comprehensive action plan aimed at addressing the drinking water demands of Greater Hyderabad for the upcoming 25 years.
During the session held at the Integrated Command Control Centre, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to evaluate future water requirements and establish the necessary infrastructure to ensure the availability of safe drinking water.
The discussions included project designs to enhance water supply through Godavari Phase 2, with plans to store water in Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs.
Additionally, the Chief Minister and officials deliberated on the possibility of sourcing water from Mallanna Sagar or Kondapochamma Sagar for the Godavari Phase 2 project. After reviewing reports from consulting firms and considering the adequate water availability and economic lifting costs, it was resolved to draw water from Mallanna Sagar. The Chief Minister approved an increase in the water supply to 20 TMC, up from the initially suggested 15 TMC.
As the Board Chairman, the Chief Minister insisted on the necessity of a sewage management plan to be developed alongside the drinking water supply to every household and indicated that a study could be conducted if required, utilizing relevant agencies and consulting firms.
Key participants in the meeting included Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Municipal Department Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, Special Principal Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja, HMW Board MD Ashok Reddy, GHMC Commissioner Ilambarithi, and the Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, Ajith Reddy.
The officials informed the CM that the Water Board is currently supplying adequate potable drinking water to the residents of Hyderabad. There are approximately 13.79 lakh tap connections, with a water distribution network extending over 9,800 km.
At present, the Water Board sources drinking water from the Manjira, Singoor, Godavari, and Krishna rivers.
During the meeting, Water Board MD Ashok Reddy reported that the Board is experiencing a revenue deficit of Rs 8,800 crore. Various government departments owe approximately Rs 4,300 crore to the Board, which also has pending dues of Rs 5,500 crore for electricity bills and previous loans totaling Rs 1,847 crore.
The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to create an immediate action plan in collaboration with the Finance Department to mitigate the crisis. He also suggested that the Water Board explore avenues for enhancing its own revenue.
