Dammaiguda’s New Bhavani Nagar residents struggle with two-year water shortage

Hyderabad: Residents of New Bhavani Nagar Colony, Dammaiguda, have raised concerns over a persistent water shortage that has plagued their locality for the past two years. Due to the lack of regular water supply, the residents are facing significant difficulties and are calling on the Dammaiguda Municipality to take immediate action and resolve the issue.

Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Vishala, a homemaker and resident of New Bhavani Nagar, described the ongoing water problem in their area. “The water problem began two years ago,” she said. “Initially, we reported the issue to local authorities, and they would come to inspect, but the visits were infrequent. Water was being supplied once or twice a week, but since April 2024, we haven’t received any water at all, and this is not just my household. It’s the entire locality.”

Vishala explained the frustration of receiving water bills despite the lack of water supply. “We complained to the person who delivers the water bills, asking how we could be billed for water that isn’t being provided. He then contacted the concerned municipality official, who requested that the residents meet with them. However, we received another bill four days later, but this time, it covered the period from the date of connection sanction, not from the time the water actually started supplying. We didn’t pay that bill as it was for a time when no water was supplied.”

Frustrated by the situation, Vishala continued, “If there is no water being supplied, why is the connection even being maintained? We have asked the authorities to remove the water connection altogether. How can we be charged for a service that isn’t being provided?”

Due to the irregular water supply, residents have been forced to purchase water from private tankers at a cost of Rs. 13 per can daily. “We are all buying water daily, which is adding to our expenses. If the water supply were regular, we would have no issue paying the bills,” Vishala said.

The residents also raised the issue with their local councillor, Saritha, but claim that no action has been taken. “We have raised this issue multiple times with our councillor, but there has been no response. Sometimes they say that our colony needs a separate pipeline, but there has been no follow-up,” Vishala explained. “It would be better if they removed the entire water line if it’s not going to work.”

In light of the ongoing water crisis, Vishala and other residents are urging the concerned authorities to take immediate action to resolve the issue and ensure a stable water supply to the area. They hope for a prompt resolution to ease the burden on the community.