HMWSSB MD calls for long-term water planning

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director Ashok Reddy has directed officials to design all ongoing water infrastructure projects with future demand in mind, stressing the need for long-term planning as the Board's service area expands up to the Comprehensive Urban Renewal and Expansion (CURE) limits.

During an inspection of the Godavari Phase-II and Phase-III projects and the Neopolis Integrated Drinking Water Supply Project on Monday, the MD reviewed the progress of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) under construction at Khanapur and instructed officials to complete the works within the stipulated deadline.

He also reviewed the proposed balancing reservoir, pumping station and WTP for the Neopolis project, directing officials to earmark sufficient land for future expansion of water supply infrastructure. Officials were asked to examine the feasibility of constructing multi-storey balancing reservoirs, considering the high land value in the area and future capacity requirements.

Ashok Reddy instructed engineers to conduct detailed technical studies on gravity-based water distribution, interconnection of trunk pipelines, advance pipeline provisions to avoid disruption to road works, and the creation of running storage capable of meeting at least one day's drinking water demand. He emphasised the need for contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply during emergencies. Officials were also asked to submit a comprehensive feasibility report covering future expansion, additional storage capacity and cost-benefit analysis through technical consultants. Earlier, the MD, along with HMDA officials, inspected the shifting of an existing 1,200-mm diameter drinking water pipeline near Khanapur to facilitate a proposed road project.

Water Board acts tough

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has launched strict action against institutions illegally discharging treated sewage water from private Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) onto public roads. During an inspection on June 26, officials found a commercial establishment on Road No. 82, Jubilee Hills, releasing treated wastewater without permission, causing water stagnation, traffic disruption and unhygienic conditions.

The Board issued a notice directing the management to stop the discharge, reuse treated water as per norms, and submit a compliance report within 48 hours. A penalty of Rs 1 lakh was imposed, with officials warning of stricter action, including service suspension, for non-compliance.