Hyderabad Urban Agglomeration (HUA), the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) unveils the Godavari Drinking Water Supply Scheme Phase-II. Aimed at rejuvenating the historic Osmansagar (Gandipet) and Himayatsagar reservoirs, the scheme prioritises harnessing water from the Godavari River.
Project blueprints, facilitated by the Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS), a central government entity, entail drawing 15 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water from Kondapochamma Sagar in Siddipet. Of this allocation, 10 TMC is earmarked for augmenting drinking water supplies, while 5 TMC is dedicated to revitalizing the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs.
The comprehensive project report (DPR), estimated at approximately Rs 4,800 crore, is currently under administrative review, with funding options being deliberated. Notably, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) offers Rs 3,500 crore in loan assistance, with the remaining 40% of the project cost divided between state government funding (Rs 520 crore) and a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) agency contribution (Rs 780 crore). Additionally, discussions with the New Development Bank (NDB) explore alternative funding avenues. The proposed infrastructure encompasses laying 3,600 mm diameter MS main spanning 82 kilometres from Kondapochamma Sagar to Osmansagar, alongside the construction of a 10 TMC Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Ghanpur, Shameerpet. Furthermore, interconnectivity arrangements between Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, supplemented by a small WTP at Janwada, promise localised drinking water provision.
Beyond immediate project goals, the state government proposes replenishing six en route water bodies, including Shamirpet Lake and Gowdavalli Lake, alongside rejuvenating major reservoirs. Presently, water demand is met by multiple sources, yet with urbanisation pressures mounting, the necessity for additional supply avenues becomes apparent. Anticipating future demand, the government advocates for interlinking Kondapochamma Sagar, Osmansagar, and Himayatsagar reservoirs to ensure sustained water supply until 2051. This strategic initiative underscores Hyderabad’s commitment to robust urban water management amidst evolving demographic dynamics.
