Hyderabad Faces Severe Drinking Water Crisis

Hyderabad is reportedly facing a severe drinking water shortage, prompting the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to declare a water emergency. Poor monsoon rainfall, the effects of El Niño and rising demand from households, agriculture and industries have been cited as contributing factors. Reports indicate that only three of the city’s 16 mandals received adequate monsoon rainfall. As a result, many residents are relying on water tankers, with around 6,000 to 8,000 bookings reportedly being made every day. Several areas, including Secunderabad Cantonment and the city’s outskirts, are experiencing significant shortages, with some localities receiving water only once every three or four days.

Water levels in major reservoirs have also reportedly declined sharply. Singur reservoir, with a full capacity of 29.9 TMC, is said to hold around 3.4 TMC, while Osman Sagar, which can hold 3.5 TMC, reportedly contains about 2.2 TMC. Officials have warned that some reservoirs could face critically low usable water levels between mid-December and the end of December if conditions do not improve. To address the situation, authorities are exploring additional supplies from the Godavari Drinking Water Scheme and the Krishna river. Plans also include expanding tanker services, monitoring groundwater levels and using treated wastewater for construction and other non-drinking purposes. Residents have been urged to conserve drinking water and avoid wastage.