Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to draft a comprehensive plan ensuring safe drinking water supply to Hyderabad residents over the next 25 years. This marks the first HMWSSB Board meeting chaired by a Chief Minister since Telangana’s formation.
Highlighting Hyderabad’s rapid urban expansion, the CM emphasized preparing to meet the city’s water demands through 2050. He also underscored the need for a parallel sewage treatment strategy to complement the proposed water supply infrastructure.
The meeting, held at the Integrated Command Control Centre, saw the CM instruct officials to collaborate with expert agencies and undertake detailed studies for the plan. Current water supply updates were shared, revealing that the city’s 13.79 lakh tap connections are serviced through a 9,800-km distribution network, with water sourced from the Manjeera, Singoor, Godavari, and Krishna rivers.
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Key discussions included the Godavari Phase 2 project, designed to provide additional drinking water to Usman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs. Officials proposed sourcing water from Mallanna Sagar or Kondapochamma Sagar for the initiative. After consulting cost-efficiency analyses, the CM approved an increase in water allocation from Mallanna Sagar to 20 TMCs, up from the initially proposed 15 TMCs, to accommodate the city’s growing needs.
HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy presented a financial overview, highlighting a revenue deficit of ₹8,800 crore. This includes ₹4,300 crore in unpaid government dues, ₹5,500 crore in pending electricity bills, and ₹1,847 crore in loan repayments.
While the Board’s current income is sufficient to cover salaries, allowances, and maintenance, the CM recognized the need for additional financial strategies. He instructed the Finance Department to address these challenges and urged the Board to enhance revenue generation through measures such as collecting outstanding dues and securing low-interest loans for new projects.
Acknowledging the disruptions caused by outdated pipelines installed in 1965 to supply water from the Manjeera River, the CM ordered the construction of a modern pipeline. He suggested leveraging funds from the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission to finance the upgrade.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Chief Minister’s Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Municipal Department Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, Special Principal Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja, HMWSSB MD Ashok Reddy, GHMC Commissioner Ilambarithi, and the CM’s Special Secretary Ajith Reddy.
By prioritizing long-term planning, financial stability, and modern infrastructure, the Chief Minister aims to address Hyderabad’s burgeoning water needs and ensure sustainable growth for the city’s future.
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