The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has prepared plans to lay two new major water pipelines to strengthen drinking water supply from the Manjeera and Gandipet (Osman Sagar) sources. These new pipelines will serve as alternatives to the decades-old main pipelines that have deteriorated over time.
The existing pipelines, which are several decades old, have reached a fragile condition and are breaking frequently, leading to nearly 30 percent water loss due to leakages. To address the issue permanently, the Water Board has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) proposing modernization of the system and construction of new pipelines parallel to the old ones, and submitted it to the government.
Approval for Manjeera Project, Gandipet Next
The Chief Minister has given approval for the Manjeera water pipeline project. Officials indicated that approval for the second pipeline under the Gandipet (Osman Sagar) drinking water scheme is expected within a week.
The move is expected to significantly reduce water wastage and improve supply reliability across Hyderabad.
Frequent Disruptions in Water Supply
The Manjeera main pipeline has been facing repeated damage, forcing authorities to impose shutdowns at least two to three times every month. Due to repair works, water supply is disrupted for 24 to 72 hours in several areas.
Localities affected during these shutdowns include Sanathnagar, Khairatabad, Kukatpally, Jubilee Hills, Karwan, Nampally, Secunderabad, Serilingampally, Patancheru, RC Puram, Rajendranagar, Maheshwaram, Quthbullapur, among others.
To ensure a permanent solution, the Water Board has decided to repair the existing main pipeline and simultaneously construct a parallel second pipeline. Tenders for the project are expected to be invited shortly.
Gravity-Based Supply from Gandipet
Water from the Gandipet (Osman Sagar) reservoir has been supplied to Asifnagar for nearly a century through a gravity-based stone conduit (conduit canal) following the natural slope. However, severe leakages along this route are causing substantial water loss.
Due to leakages at around 45 locations, only 8 to 10 million gallons per day (MGD) are currently reaching consumers. To resolve this issue, the Water Board has proposed laying a new pipeline from Gandipet reservoir to Asifnagar reservoir.
The DPR for this project has already been submitted to the government, and officials expect approval within the next few days.
Focus on Preventing Drinking Water Wastage
Officials say that once both projects are implemented, drinking water losses will be significantly reduced and supply interruptions across Hyderabad will come down. The projects are aimed at ensuring a more reliable and efficient water supply system for the growing metropolitan population.
