Hyderabad: With rainfall deficits, declining groundwater levels and a sharp increase in tanker demand, public policy expert Dr Donthi Narasimha Reddy has urged the Telangana government to introduce a graded water emergency protocol before summer 2027 to safeguard drinking water supplies and protect vulnerable communities.
In a representation to Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Reddy highlighted concerns over the state’s water situation. Telangana reportedly recorded a 15–18% southwest monsoon deficit, while Hyderabad faced a deficit of around 28%. Groundwater levels had already entered the season under stress, with several borewells reportedly failing and tanker demand increasing significantly.
Reddy pointed to the sharp rise in water tanker requirements in Hyderabad, with demand reportedly reaching thousands of bookings a day. He also raised concerns about the levels of Osman Sagar, Singur and other water sources, which were below their levels during the same period a year earlier.
Although the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has assured adequate supplies until summer 2027, Reddy cautioned that groundwater availability remains a major uncertainty. He said water shortages could disproportionately affect low-income households that depend on borewells and private tankers.
Proposed Water Emergency Triggers
Reddy recommended establishing publicly available triggers based on:
- Reservoir storage levels
- Number of days of assured water supply
- Groundwater levels
- Daily tanker demand
- Weather and rainfall forecasts
Based on these indicators, restrictions could be automatically tightened or relaxed depending on the severity of the situation.
He proposed giving the highest priority to drinking water, domestic needs, hospitals and sanitation, followed by water requirements for animals, ecological systems and livelihood-critical activities.
Restrictions and Groundwater Management
The proposals include restrictions on non-essential water use such as construction activities, car washing, swimming pools and excessive landscaping. Reddy also called for bulk-user metering, progressive water tariffs, comprehensive groundwater mapping and stronger implementation of the WALTA framework.
For tanker services, he suggested regulated rates, GPS-based tracking and regular water-quality checks to improve transparency and prevent exploitation during periods of shortage.
Protecting Farmers, Livestock and Lakes
The proposed emergency plan also focuses on communities whose livelihoods depend on water. Reddy sought support measures for farmers, fishers and dairy workers, along with drinking-water points for animals and waterholes in forest areas.
He also stressed the need to protect Hyderabad’s lakes and other water bodies as part of long-term water security.
Chief Secretary-Led Emergency Coordination
Reddy proposed establishing a Chief Secretary-led water emergency coordination cell, supported by ward-level committees and a public dashboard showing key water indicators.
He has also called for a 30-day action plan with clearly defined responsibilities, deadlines and measurable targets.
The proposals aim to ensure that Hyderabad is better prepared for potential water stress during summer 2027, while creating a transparent system through which emergency measures can be introduced before shortages become critical.
