As Hyderabad grapples with a severe water crisis, alarming reports reveal that free water tankers intended for citizens are being unlawfully diverted to hotels and factories. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (HMWSSB) efforts to address daily water needs in water-scarce zones are thwarted by this illicit activity.
Private water tanker prices have surged to exorbitant rates, ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 per tank, exacerbating the woes of residents already distressed by water shortages. Authorities discovered the disconcerting sabotage of surveillance systems, with wires of CCTV cameras intentionally cut at numerous filling stations.
Investigations unveil collusion between some HMWSSB officials and tanker owners, leading to the diversion of essential water resources. Instances of Mir Alam tankers redirected to biscuit and chocolate factories, unregistered tankers at filling stations, and unauthorized filling in various localities further compound the crisis.
In Manikonda, residents endure up to four days without drinking water, reflecting the severity of the water shortage. The situation is exacerbated by the rise in water tanker prices and consumer grievances over water spillage during transportation, amounting to a staggering 17 lakh litres of wasted water monthly.
Greater Hyderabad, with over 70 filling stations and 650 tankers, witnesses widespread diversions in Banjara Hills, Sanath Nagar, Madhapur, Gachibowli, and Tolichowki areas. The illegal diversion of free water resources not only undermines the city’s already strained water supply but also exacerbates the challenges faced by residents during the scorching summer months.
As the crisis deepens, authorities must swiftly address the diversion issue, repair surveillance systems, and ensure the equitable distribution of water resources to alleviate the suffering of Hyderabad’s residents.
