HMWSSB launches ‘Basti Baata’ drive

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has announced the launch of a special outreach initiative titled “HMWSSB Basti Baata” aimed at improving water supply and sewerage services through direct public engagement. The programme comes in the wake of the Board’s jurisdiction being expanded up to the Core Urban Region.

Under the initiative, officials from the Managing Director to Ward Managers will visit bastis and colonies to identify local issues and interact directly with residents. The field visits will be conducted four days a week — Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday — from 7 am to 10 am. Officials will resume their regular office duties from 2 pm onwards.

During the inspections, teams will examine sewerage manholes, pipeline conditions, leakages, overflow points and desilting operations. Temporary issues will be addressed immediately, while ward-wise action plans will be prepared to implement permanent solutions.

Water supply aspects such as pipeline leakages, supply timings, water wastage, low pressure complaints, illegal motor connections to taps and the quality of drinking water will also be reviewed. Immediate corrective steps will be taken wherever feasible.

The programme will also focus on creating awareness among residents about groundwater recharge measures, including the construction of soak pits and installation of injection borewells to improve groundwater levels.

To ensure systematic monitoring, Ward Managers will submit daily online reports detailing identified problems, temporary fixes and long-term proposals. Reports will move from Circle-level officers to Zonal and Regional authorities, and finally to the Head Office. A weekly review meeting will be held every Saturday to assess progress.

The “HMWSSB Basti Baata” programme will commence from Friday, with the Board stating that the initiative is designed to enhance public confidence and ensure more efficient delivery of essential civic services.