Private tanker rates soar in Hyderabad as water shortage grips the city
Hyderabad is facing a severe water shortage in early March. Rising summer temperatures and decreasing groundwater levels have triggered a sharp increase in the demand for water tankers across the city.
In recent days, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and private tanker operators have witnessed a significant surge in demand for water tankers. Reports indicate a 50 per cent increase in requests for tankers compared to the previous year.
The Greater Hyderabad region is experiencing a significant drop in groundwater levels despite receiving above-average rainfall last year, the city’s groundwater levels have dropped by an average of 0.67 meters since February.
The situation is alarming in Kukatpally as the groundwater levels plummeted to a depth of 26.47 meters. The groundwater levels have also dropped in areas like SR Nagar, Jeedimetla, Qutbullapur, Chengicherla, Fatehnagar, Yapral, Hasmathpet, Erragadda, Hitec City, Gachibowli, Manikonda, and Kondapur.
More tankers can be seen in Serilingampally, Kukatpally, Nizampet, Pragathi Nagar, Madhapur, Manikonda, and SR Nagar as these localities are facing acute water shortages despite summer yet to peak in the city. The water board has supplied over one lakh tankers in February and the demand continues to grow with each passing day.
In Manikonda, Madhapur, and Gachibowli, the demand for private water tankers is high due to the presence of numerous hostels and residential complexes. Residents are complaining that private tanker operators are charging exorbitant rates. In areas like Ameerpet, large apartment complexes are struggling to meet their water needs, even after ordering extra tankers.
