Hyderabad parched: Illegal tanker diversion deepens water scarcity

HYDERABAD: The city is grappling with a dire water crisis as free tankers designated for public use are being illicitly redirected to hotels and factories, exacerbating the scarcity. This diversion has coincided with a steep surge in private water tanker rates, reaching as high as Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 per tank. The situation is compounded by the discovery of snapped CCTV wires at numerous filling stations, hinting at organised malpractice.

Just like Bengaluru, authorities have uncovered a troubling collusion between some Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) officials and tanker operators, facilitating the unauthorised diversion of water resources. Instances include tankers meant for public service being rerouted to commercial establishments while others were found lacking proper documentation or HMWSSB authentication stickers. These irregularities span several key areas including Banjara Hills, Sanath Nagar, Madhapur, and Gachibowli, underscoring the extent of the issue.

Also Read: Manikonda residents face water scarcity, water tanker prices surge to Rs. 1,500 - Rs. 2,000

Meanwhile, communities like Manikonda are reeling under severe water scarcity, enduring days without access to drinking water. There are around 20,000 houses in Manikonda. The escalating prices of private tankers only compound the distress faced by residents. Moreover, concerns are raised regarding the wastage of water during transportation, with an estimated 17 lakh litres being lost monthly due to spillage.

Arif, one of the residents in Manikonda, said, "We never faced such a huge crisis in the last four years. Even before that, we used to face water shortage only towards the end of May and that's when we used to call tankers for a few days. But this year, summer has not even begun and we are calling tankers everyday. We pay Rs 2,000 for each tanker which we book five days in advance. Even though it is Rs 500 on the official website, if we require water on an emergency basis, we are forced to shell out Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.

"There is a mafia which is running this water tanker business. It's very evident. Water is being diverted to other 'premium' customers," Arif added.

However a Water Board representative said that there was no serious water shortage at all and tankers were being arranged due to extra consumption which they witness every year around this time.

The repercussions of this mismanagement are particularly dire as Hyderabad braces for the impending summer months, amplifying the strain on already strained water resources.

No water supply on March 9-10

According to a release by the Water Board, drinking water supply would be disrupted for several localities in Hyderabad between 6 am on March 9 and 12 am on March 10, in order to carry out repairs to from Osmansagar to Hakimpet.

The areas to be affected include Vijaynagar Colony, Humayun Nagar, Kakatiya Nagar, Syed Nagar, MES areas, Jangam Basthi, Assembly, Khairatabad, Mallepally, Lakdikapul, Seetarambagh, Fun Foundry, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, New MLA Quarters, LB Stadium, BRK Bhavan, Bazar Guard, AC Guards, Red Hills, Income Tax area, Secretariat, CIB quarters, Indira Nagar, BJR Colony, Advocate Colony, Hill Colony, Gokul Nagar, Nampally Railway Station, Birla Mandir, Hindi Nagar, Ghodey ka Kabr area, Domalguda, Gandhi Nagar, MLA Colony, Syed Nagar, Thattikhana, Parts of NBT Nagar, and Noor Nagar.