Manikonda residents protest alleged inflated HMWSSB water bills
HYDERABAD: Waves of anger and financial worry ripple through Manikonda’s neighborhoods, as hundreds of families grapple with what they describe as sudden, inflated water bills from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). Coming together, residents formed a cross-party Joint Action Committee and took to the streets on Friday, calling for swift justice and a fair, transparent billing system.
The core of the dispute is the transition of water supply administration. Many residents originally obtained their connections under the former Manikonda Gram Panchayat. After services were integrated under the HMWSSB, many households received consolidated bills covering up to five years, demanded as a single large payment.
Moreover, residents allege the process is deeply flawed. “The demands are being made without proper technical verification, meter validation, or transparent billing procedures,” said Shaik Arif Mohammed, General Secretary of The Citizens Council. The aggrieved parties claim that in many cases, the billed amount is up to three times the actual expected consumption, causing severe financial distress.
Demand transparent billing
“We have repeatedly raised objections and submitted representations to officials regarding these unscientific five-year arrears and the practice of triple billing. It is deeply unfortunate that no corrective action has been taken,” Shaik Arif Mohammed, adds, highlighting a breakdown in communication between the utility provider and the citizens.
Notably, upset by the lack of response from officials and the ongoing push to pay the questioned bills, residents decided to protest in public. To emphasize, the protest took place at the well-known Manikonda Marrichettu (Banyan Tree).
Furthermore, to show that this issue affects everyone, the organizing committee made it clear that the protest is not about politics. “This protest is being conducted beyond political affiliations, solely for public welfare and justice,” said Sitaram Dhulipala, the Bharata Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president for Manikonda who was part of Manikonda Residents Joint Action Committee.
Meanwhile, the accompanying notice from the Manikonda Residents Joint Action Committee reiterates, “This program is being organized solely for the needs of the public, without any affiliation to any political party or organization.” Their motto for the mobilization is clear, “Public welfare is our only agenda. Unity is our strength.”
