Flood mitigation to rainwater harvesting: HMWSSB devises 90-day plan to avoid monsoon-related disruptions

Hyderabad: Amid the early onset of monsoon, the Telangana government has swung into action to safeguard Hyderabad from seasonal disruptions.

In a high-level review meeting convened at HMWSSB headquarters in Khairatabad here, Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who also oversees Hyderabad affairs, outlined a comprehensive 90-day action plan focused on uninterrupted drinking water supply, sewage management, and flood prevention measures.

Top priorities for the season

Minister Ponnam directed officials to maintain a high state of alertness across all levels—from directors to field staff—emphasizing the importance of providing safe and clean drinking water and preventing sewage overflow, particularly in low-lying areas.

He instructed the team to ensure proper chlorination of water during the rains to avoid contamination and to implement preventive measures along major sewage lines.

146 flood-prone spots identified

The Minister revealed that the Water Board, in coordination with GHMC, has identified 146 waterlogging hotspots throughout the city. These areas will be continuously monitored during the rains to avoid urban flooding.

Appreciating the progress made so far, he congratulated the staff for reducing sewage-related complaints by 30 per cent, attributing the success to the effectiveness of the ongoing 90-day plan.

Rainwater harvesting made mandatory

Referring to the severe water tanker demand seen last summer, the Minister noted that over 40,000 households lacked rainwater harvesting systems. He stressed that plots larger than 300 square yards, especially within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits, must have rainwater harvesting pits.

“Notices have already been issued to 16,000 property owners, and action will be taken if harvesting pits are not constructed,” he warned, adding that proper implementation can help improve groundwater levels and reduce tanker dependency.

Focus on financial health & accountability

Addressing the Water Board’s financial position, Ponnam Prabhakar emphasized the need to boost revenue, prevent water leakage, and curb illegal water connections.

He assured that the state government will support the board in clearing pending dues from various departments and in achieving financial sustainability. Public awareness campaigns to minimize water wastage will also be launched as part of this broader strategy, he added.

Major water infrastructure projects underway

Highlighting Hyderabad’s rapid urban growth, the Minister said the government has already taken steps to meet future demand by launching the ₹7,000 crore Godavari Drinking Water Phases 2 and 3, alongside 39 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). These projects, once completed, are expected to secure the city's water needs for the next 30 years.

Public helpline activated

Citizens were encouraged to report water and sewage issues by calling the HMWSSB Customer Care helpline at 155313.

Earlier in the meeting, HMWSSB managing director Ashok Reddy presented a comprehensive update on ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, operational departments, and revenue streams of the board.

He also recalled the launch of the 90-day special sanitation drive by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on October 2, 2024, aimed at solving long-pending sewage issues and promoting rainwater conservation.

The meeting was attended by HMWSSB executive director Mayank Mittal and other senior officials.