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Tag: Singur Reservoir

  • El Niño Concerns: Hyderabad Tanker Bookings Double as Government Urges 20% Water Cut

    El Niño Concerns: Hyderabad Tanker Bookings Double as Government Urges 20% Water Cut

    Hyderabad: Daily water tanker bookings in Hyderabad have doubled to around 7,000 in October 2026, compared with the usual 3,500 bookings recorded during the same month last year. Amid concerns over the potential impact of El Niño and adverse weather conditions, the Telangana government has urged households to reduce water consumption by at least 20% and conserve electricity.

    The government is also exploring alternative sources of drinking water, expanding the use of treated wastewater and strengthening groundwater conservation measures to meet Hyderabad’s water requirements in the coming months.

    During a review meeting held at the Hyderabad Collectorate on Friday, Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan directed officials to take precautionary measures to conserve water, protect groundwater resources and reduce electricity consumption. Special officers will monitor the situation across all 16 mandals in Hyderabad district, District Collector Priyanka Ala said.

    The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has also appealed to residents, builders, commercial establishments and public agencies to minimise water wastage and increase the reuse of treated wastewater wherever possible.

    Groundwater Levels Decline Sharply

    Groundwater levels in Hyderabad district have declined significantly compared with the previous year. According to Harish, Deputy Director of the Ground Water Department, the average groundwater level has fallen from 3.55 metres below ground level (BGL) last year to 10 metres BGL this year.

    Of the 16 mandals in Hyderabad district, only three have received normal rainfall so far, while the remaining 13 have recorded a rainfall deficit. Groundwater levels and rainfall patterns are being monitored through 33 piezometers installed across the district.

    Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director Ashok Reddy said there had been no inflows into the Manjeera and Singur reservoirs this year. The available water stocks are expected to meet the city’s requirements only until December, making alternative arrangements necessary.

    Officials are examining options to increase water supplies through the Godavari Drinking Water Scheme, draw additional Krishna water and establish more filter beds at Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar to strengthen the city’s drinking water supply.

    Treated Wastewater to Replace Fresh Water

    To reduce the pressure on freshwater resources, the HMWSSB plans to ensure that 90% of the water required for construction activities is sourced from treated wastewater available in nearby areas.

    The board is also planning to make treated water mandatory for landscaping, including at government institutions, wherever applicable. Of the 13 treated-water filling stations identified under the board’s jurisdiction, three to four are currently operational.

    Officials aim to make all 13 stations functional by November 1. Another 20 filling stations are also planned over the following 15 days.

    The HMWSSB will introduce a mobile application called ‘Dial a Green Tanker’ to allow residents and other users to book treated water through tankers online.

    CMC Commissioner G. Srijana has directed sewage treatment plant operators and concerned authorities to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of treatment facilities. She also called for greater reuse of treated wastewater for landscaping, park maintenance and other suitable non-drinking purposes, subject to applicable quality standards.

    Households Asked to Reduce Water Use by 20%

    The government plans to conduct extensive awareness campaigns to encourage households to reduce water consumption by at least 20%.

    Residents have been advised to use water judiciously, repair leaking taps and pipelines promptly, and avoid unnecessary wastage. Apartment complexes, commercial establishments and institutions have also been encouraged to adopt water-efficient landscaping, use native plants, install efficient irrigation systems and maintain rainwater-harvesting structures.

    As part of groundwater conservation efforts, District Collector Priyanka Ala directed Ground Water Department officials not to issue permissions for new borewells.

    The measures are intended to reduce pressure on existing water resources and improve preparedness for a possible shortage in the coming months.

    Electricity Conservation Also a Priority

    Alongside water conservation, the government has urged residents and institutions to reduce electricity consumption.

    TGSPDCL Managing Director Jitesh Patil said electricity demand in Telangana had reached a record peak of 20,018 MW and could rise further during March and April.

    Government offices have been asked to lead by example by maintaining air conditioners at 25°C. Households, institutions and commercial establishments have also been advised to reduce electricity usage, particularly during peak-demand hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

    Rainfall Outlook Remains a Concern

    India Meteorological Department scientist Sravani said both daytime and nighttime temperatures were rising and the onset of winter had been delayed.

    Rainfall during the withdrawal phase of the northeast monsoon is expected to be below normal, adding to concerns over water availability. However, cyclone-related weather systems could bring rainfall in November, she said.

    With groundwater levels falling, reservoir inflows remaining limited and tanker bookings increasing, authorities are focusing on demand management, alternative water supplies and wastewater reuse to help Hyderabad meet its water needs in the months ahead.

  • Hyderabad Water Crisis: Expert Calls for Emergency Protocol Before Summer 2027

    Hyderabad Water Crisis: Expert Calls for Emergency Protocol Before Summer 2027

    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.

  • Hyderabad Secures Drinking Water Supply Until Summer 2027 as Godavari Reservoirs Overflow

    Hyderabad Secures Drinking Water Supply Until Summer 2027 as Godavari Reservoirs Overflow

    Hyderabad residents can breathe a sigh of relief as the city’s drinking water supply has been secured until Summer 2027, thanks to heavy monsoon rains that have significantly increased water levels in Godavari-linked reservoirs. Officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) confirmed that the recent spell of continuous rainfall has transformed the city’s water outlook, easing concerns over future shortages.

    Earlier, authorities had estimated that the available water reserves would last only until November 2026. However, abundant rainfall across Telangana has dramatically improved storage levels in major reservoirs, extending Hyderabad’s drinking water security by several more months.

    One of the biggest contributors to this improvement is the Sripada Yellampalli Project on the Godavari River. The project currently supplies around 162 million gallons of water per day (MGD) to Hyderabad. Following the recent rains, inflows into the reservoir surged to nearly 1.91 lakh cusecs, causing water storage to rise from 8.1 TMC to over 16.2 TMC within just a few days. The project continues to provide nearly 10 TMC of drinking water annually to the city.

    The Kadem Reservoir has also reached full capacity due to heavy inflows, prompting authorities to open five floodgates. Officials resumed pumping water to the Nandi Pump House and other connected projects, further strengthening the water distribution network.

    Meanwhile, ongoing repair and maintenance work at the Singur Reservoir temporarily reduced its water supply from the usual 75 MGD to around 69.5 MGD. Despite this reduction, officials assured that the increased inflows from Godavari-linked projects would comfortably compensate for the shortfall, ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply across Hyderabad.

    Currently, the HMWSSB supplies approximately 550 million gallons of drinking water every day to Hyderabad. Water is sourced from six major reservoirs, including Singur, Manjira, Krishna, Godavari, Osman Sagar, and Himayat Sagar. The recent monsoon has significantly strengthened these reserves, providing confidence that the city will have adequate water resources well into next summer.

    Officials have welcomed the improved reservoir levels, stating that the strong monsoon has not only secured Hyderabad’s immediate water needs but also enhanced long-term water management and sustainability. Citizens are nevertheless encouraged to continue using water responsibly and avoid unnecessary wastage to ensure efficient utilization of the available resources.

  • Hyderabad Officials Push for 16 TMC Storage in Singur to Safeguard Next Summer’s Water Supply

    Hyderabad Officials Push for 16 TMC Storage in Singur to Safeguard Next Summer’s Water Supply

    Hyderabad: Telangana officials have proposed maintaining at least 16 TMC ft of water in the Singur Reservoir to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply for Hyderabad during the summer of 2027. The recommendation was made during a high-level review meeting chaired by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, where officials assessed reservoir storage levels, monsoon inflows, and future water demand across Hyderabad and other urban areas.

    The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Irrigation Department, Mission Bhagiratha, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), and HYDRAA.

    HMWS&SB Managing Director Ashok Reddy informed the meeting that Hyderabad’s drinking water needs could be met through supplies from the Krishna River, Osmansagar, and Himayatsagar reservoirs until the end of June 2027. However, water available from the Manjira and Singur reservoirs, along with existing Godavari supplies, is expected to last only until September 30, 2026, making adequate storage in Singur essential for long-term water security.

    Mission Bhagiratha Engineer-in-Chief K. Kripakar Reddy stated that the current water availability in the Singur catchment area would sustain supplies for only around 45 more days under prevailing conditions.

    To strengthen the city’s water supply, officials decided to complete four kilometres of pending pipeline work to bring additional Godavari water to Mission Bhagiratha within 40 days. The project, estimated to cost ₹3 crore, is expected to add 40 million gallons per day (MGD) to the existing supply network upon completion.

    During the review, officials also directed departments dependent on Singur waters to prepare contingency plans to prevent shortages. Jayesh Ranjan instructed departments to improve groundwater recharge by constructing rainwater harvesting structures near borewells and asked agencies to develop emergency strategies for diverting water from alternative sources if required.

    The review reflects the Telangana government’s proactive efforts to strengthen Hyderabad’s water security and ensure reliable drinking water availability despite fluctuating reservoir levels and seasonal challenges.