Pumping from major lakes to stop soon

With Osmansagar and Himayatsagar resorvoirs fast drying up, the water supply from these tanks is likely to be discontinued from May 20. To meet the drinking water needs of domestic customers, the Hyderabad water board (HMWS&SB) has decided to drastically cut the supply of water to the bulk customers from third week of this month.

Both Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs supply 40 million gallons of water per day (MGD) to different parts of the city. “The water levels are fast drying up. However, there won’t be any impact on the domestic consumers,” assured HMWS&SB managing director J Syamala Rao.

Addressing a press conference here Thursday, Rao said priority would be given to domestic consumers. “We have decided to substantially cut down the water supplies to bulk customers by 30 per cent. Water would be diverted to domestic consumers to meet the deficit of 40 MGD of water,” he said.

Consumers getting water supply Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs will henceforth receive Krishna and Singur water and the cut in bulk supplies continue till the arrival of monsoon season, he added.

“Despite precarious water levels in Osmansagar, Himayatsagar reservoirs there is no need for the public to get panicky,” he said, adding,  “An emergency like situation does not arise as water is available in Manjira, Singur and Krishna till the arrival of monsoon.”

Emergency pumping arrangements have been made at Singur, when there is no possibility of drawing anymore water through gravity.

In view of the peak summer, the demand for water tankers has increased drastically. As against the demand of 15,000 water tankers in February it has now increased to about 42,000 in April.  The water tankers have been delivered within 24 hours of booking and percentage rate is about 85 per cent. “In few cases the delay is due to heavy rush, overcrowding of water tankers at filling stations and power break downs. As many as 720 water tankers are supplying water in the city, he said.

Rao said that revealing secret PIN number to the tanker owners will be viewed seriously and an action would be initiated against the involved persons.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com