HYDERABAD: The SEEEPC Survey report highlights disparities in access to tap water across social groups in Telangana, with Scheduled Tribes (STs) the most affected.
Nearly 20% of households in the state lack access to tap water, but the average masks significant variation across communities.
Among ST households, 29.2% lack tap water access, attributed to remote habitations, difficult terrain and infrastructure gaps.
Scheduled Castes (SCs) also face challenges, with 19.7% of households lacking access, while the figure for Backward Classes (BCs) stands at 20.0%.
In contrast, General Caste households are relatively better placed, with 12.8% lacking access, reflecting better infrastructure access in urban and semi-urban areas.
Experts called for targeted interventions to improve infrastructure in underserved regions, noting that access to water is central to public health and equitable development.