HMWSSB ensures 24-hour tanker delivery amid rising summer demand
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) now delivers tankers within 24 hours of booking. They aim to meet the summer demand in the city.
Due to poor rainfall last year, groundwater levels in Hyderabad dropped. This led to an early demand for water in February. Residents, especially those relying on borewells, turned to HMWSSB for drinking water. Over 30,000 people heavily depended on tankers.
HMWSSB responded to this increased demand. However, as demand surged, it initially took 2-3 days to deliver water. This delay caused significant inconvenience. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy intervened, ordering quick measures for 24-hour tanker delivery.
Simultaneous Reviews and Surprise Inspections
Managing Director Sudarshan Reddy monitored the situation continuously. Sudarshan Reddy also conducted reviews with field staff and senior officials. He held teleconferences with GMs and CGMs and also carried out simultaneous reviews and surprise inspections. Additionally, he monitored online via CCTV cameras.
Measures Taken by HMWSSB
HMWSSB took several steps to ensure quick service and increased the number of tankers, buying new ones and renting from other sources. HMWSSB also expanded water filling stations and points. This prevented delays at filling stations.
Board hired additional staff, including drivers from GHMC, to operate the tankers. They implemented three-shift operations for faster delivery. They appointed special officers to monitor tanker delivery and address customer issues and established a “Tanker Management Cell” for efficient coordination.
CCTV cameras at all filling stations linked to the main office allowed online monitoring. They developed a special app for tanker booking and delivery tracking. Customers can now track their booked tanker, similar to food delivery apps.
Emergency Pumping
To provide uninterrupted drinking water, HMWSSB started emergency pumping from Nagarjuna Sagar on April 20. They used ten pumps for this purpose. They also made arrangements for emergency pumping from Yellampalli reservoir if needed.
Additional Water Supply Compared to Last Year
Due to high demand, HMWSSB supplied more water than last summer. They provided 580 MGD this summer, 20 MGD more than last year. This marks the highest supply to date.
Thanks to MD Sudarshan Reddy’s vigilance and continuous monitoring, HMWSSB now delivers tankers within 24 hours.
Tanker Booking and Delivery Stats
| No. | Details | March 1 | May 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Total tankers | 584 | 872 |
| 2 | Filling stations | 72 | 89 |
| 3 | Filling points | 120 | 164 |
| 4 | Daily bookings | 3,150 | 4,065 |
| 5 | Daily deliveries | 4,500 | 6,016 |
| 6 | Trips supplied | 1,70,000 | 1,41,550 |
HMWSSB’s proactive measures ensure timely water delivery, meeting the city’s growing demand efficiently.
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.
