In a major infrastructural initiative, the Telangana state government has sanctioned Rs.5,560 crore for the Phase-II expansion of the Godavari drinking water supply project and the rejuvenation of the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs. This endeavour is a critical component of the broader Musi river clean-up programme aimed at improving water quality and supply across Hyderabad.
The project will be executed under the hybrid annuity mode (HAM), with funding structured such that the state government covers 40% of the costs, while the remaining 60% is borne by the executing agency. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) will secure a loan from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (Hudco) to finance the state’s contribution. This loan will be repaid through government budgetary allocations, ensuring a sustainable financial model for the project’s execution. The entire project is anticipated to be completed within two years.
The HMWSSB’s service area, which extends from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits to the Outer Ring Road (ORR), encompasses over 1,650 square kilometres. This region has experienced rapid urbanisation, spurred by the development of satellite townships, special economic zones, the IT sector, and industrial clusters. Consequently, the demand for water in Hyderabad has surged, necessitating increased supply for both domestic and industrial uses. According to projections, the city’s water demand is expected to reach 750 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2030 and 1,014 MGD by 2050. Currently, the city’s water supply ranges from 580 to 600 MGD, indicating a projected shortfall of 170 MGD by 2030.
To address this anticipated deficit, the Telangana government has directed HMWSSB to enhance the water supply from the Godavari river. Presently, Hyderabad draws 10 TMC ft of water from the Yellampally barrage. Under the new scheme, an additional 15 TMC ft will be sourced from the Mallannasagar reservoir. Of this, 10 TMC ft will be allocated for Hyderabad’s drinking water needs, while the remaining 5 TMC ft will be utilised for the rejuvenation of the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs.
The detailed project report (DPR), prepared by Wapcos, a Central government undertaking, outlines several key components. These include the establishment of headworks with a pump house, a sub-station, and a 3,600-mm diameter pipeline extending from Mallannasagar to Ghanpur. Additionally, a 780 MLD water treatment plant (WTP) will be constructed at Ghanpur, along with a clear water pumping main to Muthangi. Further infrastructure will include additional pipelines connecting Ghanpur to the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs. This comprehensive project underscores Telangana’s commitment to addressing the growing water needs of its urban population while also focusing on environmental sustainability. The successful implementation of these initiatives will not only ensure an adequate water supply for Hyderabad’s expanding populace but also contribute to the ecological restoration of critical water bodies in the region.
