Hyderabad: In a continued effort to curb the sewage overflow crisis across the city, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is pushing forward with its 90-day special drive. On Thursday, Managing Director Ashok Reddy conducted inspections in areas under Operation and Maintenance Division No. 5. This review focused on critical de-silting and sewage tunnelling works in the Barkatpura and Bagh Lingampally areas, where ongoing projects are vital to addressing the long-standing issues of sewage overflow.
During his visit, Reddy also inspected parallel tunnelling works at King Koti and Kachiguda. Acknowledging the urgency, he instructed that the works be accelerated, with a commitment to finishing them by December. He suggested that the work be carried out in two shifts if needed. The ongoing tunnelling works stretch across 200 metres at King Koti, Kachiguda, and Bashirbagh, and once completed, these areas will see improved sewage management. Special attention was given to ensuring protective measures are adhered to during the execution of these projects, reflecting HMWSSB’s focus on safety as well as efficiency. The current infrastructure challenges can be traced back to earlier construction failures, where manholes were built parallel to roads without adequate precautions. Officials highlighted that due to improper manhole construction, including incomplete plastering and inadequate elevation, debris has been infiltrating the sewage lines, exacerbating blockages. The current expansion project will rectify these issues, running the pipeline from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters to Amberpet via Nimboliadda.
A critical aspect of this development is the shift to underground tunnelling due to traffic congestion in these densely populated areas. While the project started in 2007, the floating bedrock beneath certain zones has caused significant delays. However, with 4.4 kilometres of pipeline work already completed, the remaining 0.6 kilometres is expected to be finished soon, offering relief to several areas including Raj Bhavan, Sachiwayalam, and Himayat Sagar. This project promises to significantly reduce sewage overflow complaints and improve the city’s sanitation infrastructure. This initiative aligns with broader urban sustainability efforts, aiming for long-term solutions to Hyderabad’s sewage management issues. By utilising underground tunnelling and addressing construction faults, HMWSSB’s drive represents a critical step toward sustainable urban infrastructure. Ensuring proper sewage diversion and management will also enhance water conservation efforts, benefiting the environment and the city’s residents alike.
