'Lead by example': Staff asked to turn off air conditioning after 5pm; here is why hyderabad water board offices have new rules

Air conditioning must be switched off in Hyderabad Water Board offices after 5:00 PM. The instruction is part of an effort to reduce water and electricity consumption. Each office must reduce consumption by at least 20% compared to previous use.

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Director General K. Ashok Reddy issued the instructions. According to him, protection must start within the organization before officials ask citizens to conserve water. The aim is for office procedures to reflect the advice given to residents.

“The change has to start with us and we have to set an example for everyone. Before we tell people to use water sparingly, we have to practice it ourselves,” Hyderabad Mail quoted Ashok Reddy as saying.

“We cannot change society without changing ourselves, and we cannot tell others what we do not practice ourselves. Therefore, the change in water and electricity conservation must start in our own offices,” added Reddy.

The emphasis on water conservation is due to the expected El Niño conditions in the coming period. Reddy emphasized the need to protect water resources and build a public conservation movement. He wants the board offices to lead by example.

According to the guidelines, all air conditioners in the office must be set to 25°C. Their use must stop after 17:00. Exceptions are only allowed for essential maintenance work with special approval from senior officials. So the restriction is part of the board’s effort to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

Offices must also collect the water discharged by the AC instead of letting it go down the drain. This water should be reused for gardening, cleaning and other activities that do not require potable water. The measure brings water reuse to the same conservation effort as electricity savings.

Officials must check buildings, toilets, pipes, faucets and storage tanks for leaks. Any leaks found must be repaired immediately. Officers in-charge of these areas have to keep a close eye on them to prevent wastage, Hyderabad Mail reported.

Electrical guidelines go beyond air conditioners. Lights, fans, computers, and other equipment must be turned off whenever not needed.

Special attention should be paid to the waste of energy after working hours. Reddy said every employee should treat electricity conservation as a personal responsibility.

Each office must regularly check water and electricity consumption. Officials must compare current figures with past usage and work towards a minimum reduction of 20%. Heads of offices will be responsible for the implementation of these instructions.

“Healthy competition”

Reddy warned that negligence in preventing wastage will be taken seriously. He said there would be no tolerance for lax implementation. He emphasized that protection should be manifested in everyday functioning rather than remaining just an advertising exercise.

He encouraged employees across departments to work together to turn small savings into daily habits. According to him, such habits could bring a significant reduction in consumption.

The board will also recognize authorities that are taking action and meeting the savings target. Officers and staff who perform well receive certificates each month. Reddy called for healthy competition and encouraged each office to serve as an example for others.