Hyderabad’s water supply network may face a 10 million gallons per day (MGD) reduction from the Manjeera source from December as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) prepares for declining reservoir levels and peak summer demand.
The proposal comes as the Board is already drawing below its scheduled allocations from both Singur and Manjeera. HMWSSB is currently drawing 71 MGD from Singur against an allocation of 75 MGD, while Manjeera is supplying 44 MGD against its scheduled 45 MGD, according to Telangana Today.
HMWSSB sources told the publication that Singur’s water level stood at 1,689 feet against its full tank level (FTL) of 1,717 feet. Manjeera’s level was 1,642 feet against an FTL of 1,651 feet. An official said the levels in both sources were expected to decline significantly in about a month, prompting the proposal to reduce Manjeera supply by 10 MGD.
The Manjeera network supplies several parts of Hyderabad’s western, northwestern and northern suburbs. The affected network includes Kukatpally, KPHB Colony, Pragathi Nagar, Miyapur, Hyder Nagar, Gangaram, Madinaguda and Chanda Nagar.
The network also covers Erragadda, SR Nagar, Ameerpet, Sanath Nagar, Moosapet and parts of Begumpet, along with areas in the industrial and Outer Ring Road belt such as Patancheru, Ramachandrapuram, Lingampally, Beeramguda and Ameenpur. Secunderabad Cantonment, Ferozguda, Bowenpally, Hasmathpet and Alwal are among the northern and Secunderabad areas served by the system.
The proposed reduction could also affect defence establishments, industrial areas and the Secunderabad Cantonment, which depend on the Manjeera network. A senior HMWSSB official said resident welfare associations, defence establishment managements and other key institutions had been advised not to depend entirely on Board supply.
These institutions have been asked to use alternative water sources they have developed, including rainwater harvesting systems, where available. The advice indicates that the Board is seeking to manage demand and maintain supply continuity as storage levels decline.
HMWSSB has also been operating two pumps at emergency pumping stations since the last week of September. An official said the number of emergency pumps would be increased as water levels in Singur and Manjeera fall.
The proposed cut is part of the Board’s preparations for the period ahead, when demand typically rises. The final operating decision, the areas affected by any change in supply and the duration of the reduction were not specified in the report. HMWSSB’s next steps will depend on reservoir levels and the performance of its emergency pumping arrangements.
