CM presents water action plan to quench Hyderabad’s thirst

Hyderabad: To mitigate drinking water problems in Greater Hyderabad, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has proposed a 25-year action plan and also approved lifting of 20 tmcft water from Mallanna Sagar under Godavari Phase-2 project for drinking water needs in the state capital. New water supply lines will also be laid to ensure regular supply of water for domestic needs in the city and reduce leakages by getting central assistance under Jal Jeevan Mission.

In a high-level review with Hyderabad Jal Board officials, the Chief Minister asked the officials to envisage plans for developing the necessary infrastructure for supply of safe drinking water to the residents of Greater Hyderabad for the next 25 years and assess future needs. In view of the rapid expansion of Greater Hyderabad, the Chief Minister stressed that an action plan should be developed to meet the needs of the growing population till 2050.

Based on the report submitted by the consultants and considering the adequate availability of water and reasonable lifting cost, the Chief Minister approved starting the drinking water supply project from Mallanna Sagar under which 20 tmcft water will be lifted to the city for drinking water needs.

Taking a serious note of the mounting debt burden on the Jal Board, Revanth Reddy ordered it to explore ways to increase its income to tide over the financial crisis. Jal Board MD Ashok Reddy apprised the Chief Minister about Rs 4,300 crore owed to the Board by various departments and government offices. The Jal Board also has to pay electricity bills of Rs 5,500 crore and past loan dues of Rs 1,847 crore. The officials told the Chief Minister that the Board is facing a revenue deficit of Rs 8,800 crore.

The Board was also asked to regularly recover the outstanding amount of water bills and raise the required funds for new projects by opting for alternative sources like obtaining loans at low interest rates. When the officials told about the leakage in the water pipelines, the CM said that a new project will be started to build a more modern line as an alternative to the old line. If needed, the CM also asked the officials to prepare a project report so that funds can be obtained through the Jal Jeevan Mission being implemented by the central government.