Sameer Waliullah launches water conservation campaign to prevent shortages in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Congress leader Mohammed Waliullah Sameer launched a water conservation campaign titled “Save 20%, Secure Hyderabad” on Monday, November 9. He urged residents to reduce their daily water consumption by at least 20 per cent to prevent drinking water shortages next summer.
Sameer, the Congress in-charge for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency and former DCC President, announced the initiative through a statement. He also welcomed the preventive measures initiated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s government amid deficient rainfall and concerns over El Niño conditions.
He warned that Hyderabad could face a serious water shortage during the coming summer without immediate conservation measures. Although the government had begun arranging alternative supplies, he stressed that citizens must also reduce water wastage.
Water conservation campaign follows rainfall deficit
Sameer said the water conservation campaign was necessary because of declining rainfall and growing pressure on Hyderabad’s drinking water sources. He cited a rainfall deficit of approximately 24 per cent across Telangana between June 1 and October 31. Meanwhile, Hyderabad district recorded a higher shortfall of around 34 per cent.
According to Sameer, deficient rainfall had affected water availability in major reservoirs, particularly Singur and Manjeera. He cited estimates from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) indicating a possible decline in reservoir supplies.
Water availability from Singur and Manjeera could fall by nearly 100 million gallons per day (MGD) during 2027. Furthermore, a shortage of 40–50 MGD could remain even after alternative supply arrangements.
Sameer welcomes government’s advance water supply measures
Sameer appreciated the Revanth Reddy government’s preparations to address the anticipated drinking water shortage. “The Revanth Reddy government has acted well in advance. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reviewed the situation and directed officials to prepare for the coming summer. The government is not waiting for a crisis to develop. It is taking preventive measures to ensure that Hyderabad does not face a major drinking water shortage,” he said.
He also appreciated Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju for initiating contingency measures. According to Sameer, the government planned to mobilise an additional 60 MGD from alternative sources. These included Mission Bhagiratha and the Krishna and Godavari water supply systems.
He said the additional supplies would help reduce the anticipated shortfall. However, Sameer stressed that densely populated neighbourhoods required special attention, particularly in Hyderabad’s Old City. He said thousands of families in these areas depended entirely on municipal drinking water supplies.
“Water shortage affects poor families the most. Wealthier households can arrange private tankers, but ordinary families cannot afford such expenses. Our priority should be to ensure that every household gets sufficient drinking water,” he said.
Sameer said the water conservation campaign would encourage households to reduce consumption through simple changes in daily routines. He cited official estimates suggesting that a 20 per cent reduction in water consumption across Greater Hyderabad could save nearly 80 MGD. Such savings, he said, could substantially reduce the expected summer shortage.
“We cannot expect the government to produce unlimited water. Every litre wasted today will add to the shortage tomorrow. If we reduce our daily consumption by just 20 per cent, we can save millions of gallons of water every day,” he said.
The campaign will use social media platforms to promote practical water-saving measures. Residents will be encouraged to repair leaking taps, avoid leaving taps running and reduce water consumption while washing vehicles and cleaning houses. Additionally, the initiative will promote responsible water use in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent unnecessary wastage.
Green Tanker system and PAANI app receive support
Sameer welcomed the government’s decision to encourage the use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes. He said the Green Tanker system would promote treated wastewater for construction, gardening and other activities that did not require drinking water.
He also supported the PAANI app, which allows residents to report water wastage. Furthermore, he welcomed restrictions on new borewells for non-domestic purposes as part of water conservation measures.
Sameer maintained that these initiatives, combined with public participation, could help Hyderabad manage the anticipated supply pressure. The water conservation campaign will initially focus on the seven Assembly constituencies within the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency.
It will subsequently reach residents in other parts of Greater Hyderabad through social media outreach. Sameer appealed to resident welfare associations, apartment committees, educational institutions, traders and youth organisations to participate. He also urged political parties and their supporters to cooperate in protecting the city’s drinking water supplies.
“This is not a Congress campaign against anyone. It is a campaign for Hyderabad. Water has no political colour. Whether someone supports Congress, BJP, BRS or AIMIM, everyone needs drinking water. We must work together to conserve it,” he said.
Sameer also advised citizens to follow official HMWSSB advisories and avoid circulating unverified information about water shortages or supply schedules.
“The Revanth Reddy government is doing its part by arranging additional supplies. Now citizens must do their part by reducing wastage. Our target is simple. Every household should save at least 20 per cent of its daily water consumption. Small changes by lakhs of families can make a big difference,” he said. “Save 20 per cent today. Secure Hyderabad’s water tomorrow,” Sameer added.