Report water wastage in Hyderabad via app soon; HMWSSB warns of strict penalties

Hyderabad: In a firm move to curb water misuse, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director Ashok Reddy has directed officials to impose penalties on those found wasting drinking water despite prior warnings.

Mobile app soon to report on people wasting water

He also announced that a dedicated mobile application will soon be launched, enabling citizens to report instances of water wastage by uploading photographs.

Complaints received through the app will be verified by officials and appropriate action, including penalties, will be taken against violators.

The announcement was made during the ongoing “Jalamandali… Basti Bata!” field outreach programme here.

Field visit to review water supply and sewerage

As part of the programme, the MD visited Secretariat Colony and Srinagar Colony in Uppalaguuda along with senior officials to assess water supply and sewerage conditions at the ground level.

During water supply hours, he inspected several households and enquired about issues related to supply timings, pressure and quality. Accompanied by the Quality Assurance Team (QAT), he reviewed chlorine levels and monitored water pressure to ensure adherence to safety standards.

He also interacted with residents regarding the status of the sewerage network and ongoing maintenance works.

Water conservation is a collective responsibility

Observing instances of drinking water wastage in certain areas, Ashok Reddy stressed that conserving water is a shared responsibility.

“If water is not wasted, it is equivalent to conserving it,” he said, urging citizens to use water judiciously. He particularly called upon educated sections of society to take the lead in spreading awareness about responsible water usage.

The MD highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken by the Board to draw water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers, treat it, and supply it to the city. Considering the significant investment and resources involved, he emphasized that water must not be wasted.

Review of groundwater and tanker supply

During the inspection, the MD enquired about groundwater conditions and the status of borewells in the area. He also reviewed the demand for water tankers, booking procedures and delivery timelines to ensure prompt service to residents.

Senior officials, including the Executive Director and Operations Director Narayana, along with local officers, participated in the programme.

As part of the initiative, senior officials, including the Joint Managing Director, EDs, CGMs, and GMs, have been conducting inspections from 6 am onwards to improve service delivery.

Inspection of Chitrapuri STP

Later, Ashok Reddy visited the under-construction 30 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near Chitrapuri Hills. The plant is being built to treat sewage generated from Khajaguda Lake downstream areas, Manikonda, and Chitrapuri Colony.

The Water Board MD instructed officials to assess demand for reuse of treated water and ensure that infrastructure for treated water supply is incorporated into the plant design.

He also directed the creation of a treated water sump and the establishment of a dedicated tanker filling point to facilitate the supply of treated water for gardening, construction, landscaping and flushing purposes in the surrounding areas.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable water management while enhancing efficiency in water supply and sewerage services across Hyderabad, he added.