Hyderabad: Municipal Administration Department Principal Secretary Dana Kishore conducted a review meeting to assess the drinking water supply situation in Greater Hyderabad.
The review meeting, held at the head office of Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) at Khairatabad on Monday, was attended by senior officials.
During the meeting, Dana Kishore highlighted that there has been an increase in the demand for water tankers due to the decrease in the underground water level in the city of Hyderabad.
In response to the demand, he said the HMWSSB is ensuring that water is supplied to the citizens through emergency pumping arrangements to avoid any problems in the water supply in the coming days. He said water is abundant in various reservoirs, and people need not worry unnecessarily about it.
“Compared to the previous year, 100 MLD more water is being diverted in Hyderabad this year. The HMWSSB is prepared to divert another 100 MLD of water if required. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of customers booking water tankers. Last year, an average of 12 water tankers were used to carry water, while this year, the number has increased to 20.
To cater to the demand of the customers, all necessary measures are being taken. In the coming days, 1200 trips of water will be carried by 300 tankers daily, and a plan to conduct 2.5 lakh trips per month has been announced. If required, additional filling stations will also be set up in the outer ring road limits. Efforts are being made to dispatch the water tanker within 12 hours of booking the tanker, and discussions are underway with RTA officials for new tankers,” he said.
Dana Kishore informed us that to ensure the safety of drinking water, a water purification centre is being set up at Gandipet to purify the water originating from Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar. Additionally, 200 water dispensers are being set up at bus stops, junctions, important dispensaries, and public places to quench the thirst of pedestrians and travellers in the city.
To increase the underground water level in the city of Hyderabad, residents are being advised to dig pits, and an awareness campaign is being conducted for the same. Those who book water through tankers are being provided with water, and voluntary organizations are also being involved. Households that do not have water pits are advised to construct new water pits and repair existing ones.HMWSSB Managing Director Sudarshan Reddy and other officials attended the review meeting. (INN)