Telangana Government Prioritises Water Supply and Sewage Systems
The Telangana government has allocated significant funds in its latest budget for the enhancement of water supply systems and sewage management. These initiatives are aimed at meeting the growing urban demand for clean water, tackling urban flooding, and improving overall sanitation in the state capital.A key highlight of the budget is the allocation for the completion of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) Phase-2 water supply project, which is in its final stages. This project, when completed, is set to provide a consistent drinking water supply to urban areas within the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits. The initiative is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that the city’s residents have access to a reliable and uninterrupted water supply, in line with urban growth projections.
Urban flooding has been another major challenge for Hyderabad in recent years, especially during the monsoon season. To address this, the state government has approved a massive ₹5,942 crore Integrated Stormwater Drainage Project. The project aims to improve flood management infrastructure and prevent waterlogging in the city’s low-lying areas, which have historically been prone to flooding. With increased urbanisation and the impact of climate change, the project is seen as critical in strengthening the city’s resilience to heavy rainfall, ensuring smoother drainage, and safeguarding the urban population from flood-related damages.Another significant move in the budget is the initiative to restore and upgrade the city’s existing sewage and drainage infrastructure. In collaboration with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), the government has focused on clearing neglected manholes and sewer lines. This restoration drive has resulted in the cleaning of 3,025 km of sewer lines and the distillation of over 2.39 lakh manholes. The project has already led to a more than 25 per cent reduction in sewage-related complaints, a notable improvement in urban sanitation and drainage efficiency.
These initiatives reflect the Telangana government’s commitment to enhancing public health standards by addressing urban sanitation issues and ensuring better water supply management. The measures also align with the state’s long-term vision of promoting sustainable urban development that can handle the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and climate change
Experts believe that the upgraded water supply systems and stormwater management projects will play a pivotal role in improving Hyderabad’s urban resilience, especially as the city continues to expand. The improvements will not only benefit residents in terms of better living conditions but also position Hyderabad as a model city for sustainable and eco-friendly urban planning. The overall success of these projects will depend on efficient execution, ongoing maintenance, and collaboration between various government departments and agencies.The allocation for water supply and sewage infrastructure in the Telangana budget is a significant step toward creating a more sustainable and liveable urban environment in Hyderabad. By focusing on essential services such as water and drainage, the government is addressing the core needs of the city’s rapidly growing population. Furthermore, these projects are expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
As Hyderabad continues to evolve into a major metropolitan hub, the implementation of such infrastructure projects is crucial for managing the city’s resources efficiently, mitigating the risks of urban flooding, and ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services. The ongoing efforts to improve water and sewage systems reflect a broader commitment to building a future-ready city that is sustainable, resilient, and adaptable to future challenges.
