Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director Ashok Reddy directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to meet the city’s future water needs. He issued the directions as the utility expands its services up to the Comprehensive Urban Region Extension (CURE). On Tuesday, he reviewed drinking water preparedness, tanker management and revenue enhancement with senior officials at the board’s headquarters in Khairatabad.
Ashok Reddy instructed officials to prepare infrastructure plans for reservoirs, pipelines, pumping systems, valves and junctions. The measures aim to handle additional water expected from the Godavari project and the Osman Sagar-Shaikpet system over the next one to two years.
He also asked officials to identify areas that faced severe water shortages during the previous summer. Meanwhile, he directed them to prepare a contingency plan within 15 days. He asked them to complete the required works by October.
Future water needs require contingency planning
The Managing Director asked officials to focus on newly affected localities in Malkajgiri. In addition, he instructed them to establish dedicated filling points for high-capacity water tankers to improve emergency water supply.
Meanwhile, Ashok Reddy noted that Singur Reservoir currently holds water sufficient for around 50 days. He directed officials to prepare alternative supply plans in case rainfall remains below normal.
Further, he instructed departments to adopt a scientific approach to water distribution. The plans should include alternate-day or phased water supply whenever necessary. He also asked officials to identify the pipelines, valves, reservoirs and junctions needed to divert water during emergencies.
The Managing Director directed officials to complete estimates, invite tenders and begin the proposed works within the next 15 days. Additionally, he asked officials to maximise the use of alternative water sources. These include the Krishna, Godavari, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar systems.
Ashok Reddy said funding would not become an obstacle if temporary pumping facilities, filtration units or other infrastructure were required. He stressed that uninterrupted drinking water supply remained the board’s highest priority.
Finally, the Managing Director directed officials to strengthen monitoring at tanker filling stations. He warned that the board would issue show-cause notices and initiate departmental action against officials if they found negligence in tanker operations or supervision.