Residents Struggle with Contaminated Drinking Water in Hyderabad
This summer, residents in Hyderabad are facing not only a water shortage but also a serious problem of contaminated drinking water. Areas in the Old City and some northern parts of the city are the most affected. Many people in these areas have reported waterborne diseases.
One of the main reasons for this issue is that drinking water pipelines pass through drainage and stormwater channels. This increases the risk of water contamination, especially during summer. Several areas, particularly slums and low-lying regions, have been receiving polluted water for months. Affected localities include Moghalpura, Kalapather, Charminar, Himmatpura, Bahadurpura, Jahanuma, Kishanbagh, Jawarhnagar, Dammaiguda, and Rasoolpura.
Residents say that every summer, in addition to water shortages, they struggle with dirty and contaminated water. The lack of a proper drainage system in these areas makes the problem worse. Overflowing sewage often mixes with drinking water, making it unsafe for consumption.
Ahmed Khan, a resident of Jahanuma, shared his frustration, saying, “This issue has been ongoing for the past two months. We cannot use the water, and despite multiple complaints to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), nothing has been done.”
Ramesh, a resident of Rasoolpura, said, “For more than six months, we have been receiving polluted water with a strange smell. Even after informing Secunderabad Cantonment officials, the problem remains. They laid new pipelines, but that was just for show. It is not enough, and every time we complain, they make excuses.”
In Jawarhnagar, the water contamination is linked to a nearby dump yard. Sandeep, a resident, said, “The groundwater here is polluted, and we are receiving contaminated water. Last year, many residents fell sick and had to be hospitalized. We have requested the water board several times to treat the water, but no action has been taken.”
Residents continue to struggle with these issues, hoping for a quick and effective solution from the authorities to ensure safe drinking water for all.
