In a proactive move to address potential water scarcity concerns, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is devising plans to deploy floating pumps for drawing water from the dead storage level of the Nagarjunasagar reservoir.
This innovative strategy aims to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Greater Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, particularly in the event of a delayed monsoon and dwindling water levels. With the anticipation of water levels dropping below 500 feet in the Nagarjunasagar reservoir within the next two months if the monsoon is delayed, HMWSSB is preparing to install secondary pumping facilities on a barge or pontoon. This strategic initiative will enable continuous water extraction from the reservoir’s dead storage level, mitigating the risk of water shortages and safeguarding the water supply infrastructure serving Hyderabad.
The implementation of floating pumps underscores the importance of proactive water management strategies in ensuring the resilience of urban water supply systems. The Krishna Drinking Water Supply Scheme, comprising Phase-I, II, and III, currently provides approximately 1254.37 million litres of water per day (MLD) to Hyderabad, highlighting the critical role of the Nagarjunasagar reservoir in meeting the city’s water demands. In situations where fixed emergency pumps may encounter limitations due to source inaccessibility or temporary water intake constraints, the deployment of a barge-based pumping station offers a viable solution to maintain consistent water supply operations. This adaptive approach aligns with HMWSSB’s commitment to enhancing water security and resilience in the face of evolving climate patterns and hydrological uncertainties.
Under the directive of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Principal Secretary M Dana Kishore, HMWSSB officials are actively exploring the feasibility of establishing a secondary pump station on a barge to address potential water level fluctuations in the Nagarjunasagar reservoir. This proactive stance reflects the agency’s dedication to ensuring reliable water supply services for the residents of Greater Hyderabad and its peripheral regions. The implementation of floating pumps represents a forward-thinking approach to water resource management, leveraging innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity challenges. By embracing adaptive measures and strategic planning, HMWSSB aims to bolster the resilience of Hyderabad’s water supply infrastructure and enhance the city’s preparedness for future water-related uncertainties. The HMWSSB officials said that emergency pumping arrangements are ready to operate for two months, drawing water from Nagarjunasagar once water levels drop below 510 feet as against the full reservoir level of 590 feet.
