HMWSSB is adapting to future water needs as jurisdiction expands to CURE

Himayat Sagar Reservoir. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL

With the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) set to expand its service jurisdiction to include the Core Urban Region (CURE), the water board has begun preparing a comprehensive strategy to meet future drinking water requirements and strengthen its distribution network and emergency planning.

Director General K. Ashok Reddy, who presided over a review meeting on Tuesday, directed officials to adopt a scientific approach to water management in view of the expected increase in water availability from Osmansagar and Godavari river in the next one to two years.

He directed officials to prepare a detailed action plan covering the infrastructure needed for efficient water distribution, including tanks, pipelines, pumping systems, valves, junctions and related facilities. He also ordered a special contingency plan for locations that experienced unexpected supply cuts over the summer, with estimates, tenders and implementation to begin in the next 15 days, with work to be completed by October.

Water supply limits in Malkajgiri Corporation were highlighted as it faced supply problems. Officials have been asked to set up dedicated filling points for high-capacity tankers and develop systems to fill water faster.

Since the Singur reservoir holds water for only 50 days, Mr. Reddy called for immediate emergency measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of drinking water in case of delay in rains.

He directed the officials to prepare scenario-based strategies depending on the availability of water in Singur and Manjeera reservoirs, including every other day water supply or staggered water supply if required. He also emphasized the need for efficient use of alternative sources such as Krishna and Godavari rivers along with Osmansagar and Himayatsagar and said that funding should not be a constraint for further pumping.

The review also focused on improving the operation of water tankers, expanding the use of treated water for industrial and non-potable purposes, increasing revenue, ensuring equitable water distribution and maintaining strict water quality standards.

Joint MD Mayank Mittal, managing directors for the three regions, Pankaja, Samrat Ashok and Santos, CTO Sudarshan, COO Narayana and other senior officials were present.

Published – 7 Jul 2026 20:28 IST