Hyderabad tanker supply row sparks shortage allegations
HYDERABAD: Allegations have surfaced that water board staff are deliberately creating artificial water shortages in the city by shutting supply valves and colluding with private tanker operators.
Residents in several localities report irregular water supply over the past few weeks, forcing them to depend on private tankers. They allege that the disruption is not due to technical issues but is being orchestrated to increase demand for tanker services.
When residents attempt to book water tankers through the official mobile application, the system frequently displays a “server down” message. However, locals say that if ₹2,500 is paid to middlemen, a tanker is arranged within 30 minutes.
Civic activists have questioned the role of officials, alleging a nexus between water board staff and private operators. They said such practices are placing an additional financial burden on households already facing supply shortages.
Sources indicate that this illegal network is generating nearly ₹3 crore every month through unauthorised tanker sales. There is no official response yet from the water board on the allegations.
