Hyderabad: The Telangana government has decided not to permit new borewells in Hyderabad for construction and other non-drinking purposes. The move comes amid falling groundwater levels and concerns over the possible impact of El Niño on water availability.
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan said borewells will be allowed only for drinking water purposes, subject to existing regulations. Permission may also be given to deepen existing borewells, but only to meet drinking water needs.
The city faces growing pressure on its water resources. Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director K Ashok Reddy said groundwater levels have dropped by more than five metres compared to last year. Water tanker bookings have doubled from the usual 3,500 to around 7,000 per day.
Officials have warned that supplies from the Manjeera and Singur reservoirs may last only until December if there are no fresh inflows. The government is exploring alternative sources, including the Godavari and Krishna river systems, to maintain supplies.
As part of its conservation measures, the government will supply treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants to construction sites through green water tankers from November 1. The treated water will also be available for industrial use, gardening, landscaping and maintaining road medians.
Authorities have also launched a special drive to identify and remove illegal motors fitted on HMWSSB pipelines and municipal water taps to draw excess water. The drive is being carried out with the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and other departments, and violators may face fines and penalties. The government has urged households to reduce water consumption by at least 20 per cent as part of wider El Niño preparations focused on groundwater conservation, alternative sources and preventing drinking water shortages.
