Hyderabad Water Board Launches Major Infrastructure Push, ₹11,900 Crore Allocated for HMWSSB Projects: Ponnam Prabhakar

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is taking comprehensive measures to strengthen Hyderabad’s water infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, improve drainage systems, and enhance monsoon preparedness, State Transport, BC Welfare and Hyderabad District In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said during a high-level review meeting held at the HMWSSB headquarters in Khairatabad. The Minister announced that ₹11,900 crore has been allocated for various HMWSSB development works and infrastructure projects.

High-Level Review Meeting Held at HMWSSB Headquarters

The review meeting was conducted at the HMWSSB headquarters in Khairatabad, Hyderabad, under the leadership of Minister Ponnam Prabhakar along with Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir.

The meeting was attended by:

• HMWSSB MD Ashok Reddy
• Director Sudarshan
• Joint Managing Director Mayank Mittal
• Senior officials from various departments

Key Issues Reviewed by Ministers and Officials

The review meeting focused on several important issues, including:

• Drinking water supply in Hyderabad
• Tanker services during summer
• Monsoon preparedness
• Ongoing infrastructure development works
• Management of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
• Water conservation measures

Senior officials delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation explaining water-related challenges in Hyderabad, river protection measures, water supply systems, and future infrastructure requirements.

Officials also briefed the ministers on measures being implemented to improve water management and strengthen urban water infrastructure.

Hyderabad Receiving 650 MGD Water Supply

Addressing a media conference at the HMWSSB headquarters, Ponnam Prabhakar stated that Hyderabad is currently receiving 650 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) of drinking water supply.

He said major works under Godavari Phase-II and Phase-III are being undertaken with an investment of ₹7,000 crore to meet the city’s future water requirements.

The Minister further stated that the present government is implementing Godavari Phase-II and III projects keeping future demand in view and would also take up Krishna Phase-IV and V projects along with the Singur water pipeline project in the coming years.

Hyderabad Has 14.50 Lakh Tap Connections

Ponnam Prabhakar informed that Hyderabad currently has 14.50 lakh tap connections, out of which 6.23 lakh are free water connections.

He stated that all drinking water-related complaints and issues are being resolved promptly by the Water Board.

The Minister also said Hyderabad has around 6.14 lakh manholes and that the department is conducting a large-scale desilting and cleaning drive during April and May ahead of the monsoon season.

Referring to last year’s heavy rainfall, he said the government is taking precautionary measures to prevent waterlogging and drainage issues.

95 Percent Tanker Bookings Delivered Within 24 Hours

Speaking about summer water supply management, the Minister stated that tanker services are functioning efficiently and nearly 95 percent of tanker bookings are being delivered within 24 hours.

He also emphasized the importance of groundwater conservation and appealed to citizens to construct rainwater harvesting pits wherever feasible.

According to the Minister, the government is preparing a special action plan to encourage large-scale construction of rainwater harvesting structures.

Minister Warns of Future Double Tanker Charges

Ponnam Prabhakar warned that if groundwater levels are not improved, serious problems could arise in the future.

“Rainwater must be conserved. Public cooperation is essential, and rainwater harvesting should become a people’s movement,” the Minister said.

He stated that people constructing water harvesting pits would be encouraged by the government.

At the same time, he warned that consumers who do not implement rainwater harvesting but repeatedly depend on tanker water from the same locality may face double tanker charges in the future.

Illegal Constructions Over Drainage Lines to Be Removed

The Minister announced that illegal constructions over drainage lines would be removed strictly.

He also alleged that during the previous 10 years, the former BRS government failed to bring even a single additional MGD of water to Hyderabad.

Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Ponnam Prabhakar said protests are being staged at Water Board offices alleging intentional disruption of water supply.

He remarked that while political criticism is common in opposition, drinking water should never become a political issue.

Penalties for Misuse of Drinking Water

The Minister warned that penalties would be imposed for misuse of drinking water.

He further stated that in several areas permissions had been granted for high-rise buildings without assessing local water carrying capacity and infrastructure availability.

Ponnam Prabhakar clarified that henceforth all relevant parameters, including water supply capacity and infrastructure feasibility, would be thoroughly examined before permissions are granted for new high-rise buildings in Hyderabad.

He also announced that vacant posts in the Water Board would soon be filled.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board is implementing extensive measures to strengthen Hyderabad’s water infrastructure under the leadership of Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and the Telangana government. With ₹11,900 crore allocated for HMWSSB projects, ongoing Godavari Phase-II and III works, monsoon preparedness activities, and groundwater conservation plans, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted water supply and improved drainage infrastructure across Hyderabad.

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