Hyderabad's water availability turns precarious

1. Rainfall deficit of around 23%
2. 27 of the state’s 33 districts recording below-normal rainfall

“Water presently available in the Singur catchment area would meet only about 45 days of requirements.”

Krupakar Reddy Engineer-in-Chief, Mission Bhagiratha

Metro India News | Hyderabad

An aborted southwest monsoon has brought Hyderabad’s long-term water security into focus all over again. Telangana entered the second half of June with a rainfall deficit of around 23%, with 27 of the state’s 33 districts recording below-normal rainfall. The weak start has raised concerns about reservoir inflows, groundwater recharge and water availability in the months ahead. Weather experts have also pointed to lingering influences from the recent El Niño cycle as one factor affecting rainfall patterns, although local weather systems continue to play a major role.

June is a crucial month for replenishing reservoirs that support drinking water needs throughout the year. With rainfall remaining below normal for much of the month, attention has turned to the reservoirs that supply Hyderabad and surrounding areas.

Among them, the Singur and Manjeera systems remain particularly important. At a recent review meeting on water availability and preparations for next summer, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director Ashok Reddy informed officials that water available in the Singur, Manjeera and Godavari-linked systems would be sufficient only until September 30 under present conditions. He also requested the Irrigation Department to maintain at least 16 TMC of storage in Singur to safeguard Hyderabad’s drinking water requirements through next summer.

The concern is not only about current storage levels. Earlier this year, water levels in Singur were reduced to facilitate dam safety and repair works. As a result, replenishment during the current monsoon has become even more important. Officials say healthy inflows over the next few weeks will be critical for building adequate reserves before the dry season.

Mission Bhagiratha Engineer-in-Chief Krupakar Reddy told the meeting that water presently available in the Singur catchment area would meet only about 45 days of requirements, highlighting the need for stronger inflows during the remainder of the monsoon. The state government is also moving to strengthen alternative supplies. Officials have decided to complete nearly four kilometres of pending pipeline works to augment Mission Bhagiratha supplies from the Godavari. Once completed, the project is expected to add around 40 MGD of water to the network, improving supply resilience in several regions. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a revival of monsoon activity across Telangana from June 23 onwards, with several districts expected to receive heavy rainfall. Water managers will be hoping these rains reach the catchment areas feeding Singur, Manjeera and other major reservoirs.

The coming weeks could determine whether the city enters next summer with comfortable reserves or a much tighter water situation. After a disappointing start to the monsoon, every spell of rain flowing into Telangana’s reservoirs will matter.

Twin reservoirs still come to rescue

The iconic twin reservoirs; Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar that provided drinking water for decades will still come to the rescue of Hyderabadis. Water Board officials say the city can continue drawing water from the Krishna system along with Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, with supplies projected to remain available until June 2027. As of June 23, Osman Sagar held 2.412 TMC of water and Himayat Sagar 2.240 TMC, providing an additional buffer for the city’s drinking water needs.