Private septic tanker caught near Osman Sagar; HMWSSB stops illegal waste dump attempt

Hyderabad: Following reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged discharge of sewage into the Osman Sagar (Gandipet) reservoir, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has issued a formal clarification to reassure the public.

Officials confirmed that a private septic tanker was intercepted while attempting to illegally dump waste into the reservoir, which serves as a vital drinking water source for the city. Criminal cases have been registered at the Moinabad Police Station against the individuals involved.

What is the case about?

On December 17, at approximately 8 am, patrolling staff spotted a septic tanker (Registration No: TG11 T1833) at FTL Point No. 428 near Himayat Nagar village. The driver, Ramavath Shiva Naik (33), was caught attempting to discharge sewage into the reservoir.

Upon interrogation, the driver admitted he was acting on the instructions of the tanker owner, Niranjan, a resident of Himayat Nagar.

Key violations identified

- Fraudulent use of govt logo: The tanker illegally displayed the HMWSSB logo to mislead officials and evade inspections.

- Unregistered vehicle: The vehicle was not authorised or registered with the Water Board.

- Environmental Threat: The attempt to contaminate a protected water body poses a severe risk to public health.

Assurance from HMWSSB Managing Director

HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy clarified that the tanker was intercepted by the Board’s Deputy General Manager (DGM) before it could discharge the waste.

He categorically stated that no waste has mixed with the reservoir water.

“The public need not panic. We follow a rigorous three-stage chlorination process (at Treatment Plants, Balancing Reservoirs, and Service Reservoirs) as per IS:10500–2012 standards. Water quality is tested every single hour at Asif Nagar and Mir Alam plants,” said MD Ashok Reddy

To prevent future issues, the MD noted that Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are currently under construction on both sides of the reservoir and will be completed within six months to ensure 100 per cent treatment of local inflow.

Strict action and vigilance

The HMWSSB has warned that any attempt to pollute drinking water sources will meet with strict legal consequences. Surveillance around the twin reservoirs is being intensified.

Public Notice: If you witness illegal dumping near reservoirs, please contact HMWSSB Customer Care at 155313.

Background of the case

The Osman Sagar (Gandipet) and Himayat Sagar reservoirs are century-old man-made lakes that have historically been the primary sources of drinking water for Hyderabad. Over the years, several factors have made this a sensitive issue:

- Rising urbanisation: As the city expands, illegal encroachment and the discharge of septic waste from nearby unauthorised layouts have become recurring challenges for the HMWSSB.

- Recent social media alarm: On the morning of December 18, videos and photos of the seized tanker began circulating on social media, sparking fears among citizens that the city’s drinking water had already been contaminated. This prompted the immediate official clarification to prevent a public health scare.

- Legal precedent: The Water Board has been under pressure from the High Court and environmental tribunals to ensure that no raw sewage enters these water bodies. The prompt registration of a criminal case in this instance serves as a deterrent to the ‘tanker mafia’ that often seeks to avoid the costs of using designated sewage treatment facilities.