Escalating water crisis in Hyderabad: borewells dry up, tanker prices soar
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad is currently grappling with a severe water crisis as summer heat intensifies and borewells dry up, causing immense hardships for residents across the city. Despite efforts by the water board to supply water, the demand is not being adequately met, leading to widespread water scarcity.
Amidst the falling water levels in Hyderabad, the private tanker industry is thriving by tripling their prices with many heading to the outskirts of the city to refill their water supplies. But getting water from these tankers costs a lot. These tankers with capacities from 5,000 to 30,000 litres cost between Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,500, depending on how far they have to travel. In contrast, the government charges start at Rs 500.
Despite efforts by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board(HMWSSB) to address the issue, the demand for water remains unmet. Residents across the city are experiencing significant delays of up to four days for water tanker deliveries, aggravating the challenges posed by the escalating water crisis.
According to reports and social media sources, the water situation in Hyderabad is projected to deteriorate further in the upcoming months, due to further drying up of bore wells during the peak months of summer.
Is Hyderabad going to face a drinking water crisis this Summer like Chennai?#Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy asks people to brace up for drought
“Due to deficit rainfall, water levels have decreased, leading to severe water scarcity in all areas,” he said while… pic.twitter.com/DlAB8jcyk9
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) March 7, 2024
As Hyderabad confronts this escalating water crisis, urgent action is needed to enhance water conservation efforts. Only through concerted and sustainable measures can the city avert a looming water catastrophe and secure a resilient future.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
