Hyderabad: As the monsoon is set to reach Telangana within a week, officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) anticipate a decrease in tanker demand.
The water board, which faced immense pressure to manage tanker deliveries during the summer, has set a remarkable record, completing over 7.3 lakh tanker trips from January to May. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the Hyderabad water board and is unmatched by any other metropolitan water board in India.
A senior HMWS&SB official stated with pride, “The water board has set an all-time record in its 40-year journey by delivering over 7.3 lakh trips this summer, utilising 850 tankers of various capacities.”
Typically, the board makes around 50,000 to 70,000 trips from April to June. However, this year saw a surge in demand starting in January, primarily due to groundwater depletion and an early onset of summer. For instance, in January alone, 81,851 trips were made, a significant increase compared to previous years when tanker bookings usually began at the end of March or early April. February witnessed an even greater surge, with bookings doubling and resulting in 1.12 lakh trips.
This trend continued into March, traditionally the first month of the summer season, with an astonishing rise in bookings. “The demand for tankers unexpectedly rose, overwhelming our booking system. In response, we increased both the number of tankers and the frequency of trips. Consequently, the water board operated tankers in day and night shifts, delivering 1.7 lakh trips,” a senior water board official explained.
April saw the highest number of deliveries, with a record-breaking 2.38 lakh trips. To cope with this demand, the water board also increased the number of filling stations. By the end of May, a total of 7.3 lakh trips had been completed. Officials highlighted that no other metro city’s water board in the country has delivered as many trips in a single summer.
The board’s proactive measures included expanding its fleet and operating on a 24/7 basis to meet the unprecedented demand. The success of these operations underscores the board’s capability and dedication to ensuring water supply amidst challenging conditions.
As the monsoon approaches, the HMWS&SB remains optimistic about a potential decrease in tanker demand. The anticipated rains are expected to replenish groundwater levels and reduce the reliance on tanker deliveries. This seasonal shift will likely bring relief to both the water board and the residents of Hyderabad, who have been grappling with the effects of the severe summer heat and water scarcity.
The record-setting performance of the Hyderabad water board this summer highlights the critical importance of adaptive and responsive infrastructure management. As climate patterns continue to evolve, the ability of urban utilities to respond effectively to extreme conditions will be crucial in maintaining essential services and ensuring the well-being of residents
