Strategic Blueprint for Hyderabad’s Water Future: CM Revanth Reddy’s Vision for Sustainable Supply
As Hyderabad expands rapidly, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has charted an ambitious course to secure the city’s water needs for the next 25 years. In a recent meeting, he instructed the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to formulate a forward-looking plan that anticipates the water demands of Greater Hyderabad’s burgeoning population by 2050.
Planning for a Growing City
The Chief Minister underscored the necessity of a future-proof strategy to cater to the city’s evolving needs. Recognizing Hyderabad’s unprecedented growth, he directed officials to prepare an integrated plan that combines drinking water supply and sewerage management. He suggested engaging expert agencies or consultancies to conduct detailed studies, ensuring the plan is robust and comprehensive.
A Historic Meeting of Stakeholders
The Hyderabad Water Board convened its first meeting since the formation of Telangana at the Integrated Command and Control Center. Chaired by CM Revanth Reddy in his capacity as Board Chairman, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including:
- Advisor to the CM, Vem Narender Reddy
- Telangana Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari
- Principal Secretary MAUD, Dana Kishore
- Special Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao
- Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja
- HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy
- GHMC Commissioner Ilambarathi
- CM’s Special Secretary Ajit Reddy
Current Water Supply Network
Officials detailed the existing water distribution infrastructure, which spans 9,800 kilometers and services 13.79 lakh connections. Water is primarily sourced from the Manjeera, Singur, Godavari, and Krishna rivers.
To enhance supply reliability, discussions included advancing the Godavari Phase 2 project to channel additional water to Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs. Following an in-depth analysis of consultancy reports, water availability, and cost factors, the decision was made to source water from Mallannasagar, increasing the proposed volume from 15 TMC to 20 TMC to meet future demand.
Financial Challenges and Revenue Strategies
During the meeting, HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy presented a detailed financial report. The Board currently faces a significant revenue deficit of nearly ₹8,800 crore due to unpaid dues, including:
- ₹4,300 crore owed by government departments
- ₹5,500 crore in pending electricity bills
- ₹1,847 crore in outstanding loans
To address these financial hurdles, the CM directed the Water Board to collaborate with the Finance Department on an actionable recovery plan. He emphasized the importance of:
- Increasing revenue through improved bill collection, particularly from non-domestic connections
- Securing funds for new projects at low-interest rates
- Continuing the provision of 20,000 liters of free water per household
Upgrading Aging Infrastructure
The CM highlighted the urgent need to replace outdated pipelines installed under the Manjeera project in 1965. Frequent repairs to these aging pipelines cause disruptions lasting 10-15 days. To mitigate this, he instructed officials to design a modern alternative pipeline system.
The proposed pipeline project will explore funding opportunities through central government initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring minimal financial burden on the state.
Commitment to Sustainable Solutions
In closing, CM Revanth Reddy reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing Hyderabad’s growing water requirements effectively. The meeting marked a pivotal step toward securing a sustainable and resilient water supply infrastructure for the city. By integrating innovative solutions and prioritizing long-term planning, Hyderabad is poised to meet the challenges of urban expansion while safeguarding resources for future generations
