Groundwater levels in Hyderabad are dropping, causing a higher demand for water tankers this summer compared to last year. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) received over 1,18,804 bookings in March, averaging more than 2,000 per day.
Officials from the Hyderabad Water Board noted a significant increase in demand since February, with around 77,220 bookings compared to last year’s 56,144. In March alone, there were approximately 1.6 lakh tanker trips made to fulfill 1.18 lakh bookings. The number of trips is expected to increase in April, May, and June, with an estimated 2.5 lakh trips in April and 3 lakh in May and June combined. Most bookings are from western parts of the city like Manikonda, Banjara Hills, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Hafeezpet, and Gachibowli.
Traditionally, demand for Water Board tankers rises in the second or third week of March each year. However, this year, due to declining groundwater levels, the demand started as early as the third week of February. Many areas within GHMC limits depend on groundwater, and increased extraction has led to a drop in the water table. To meet water demand and ensure sufficient supply within GHMC limits, emergency pumping arrangements have been made from Yellampally and Nagarjunasagar. A senior officer from the Hyderabad Water Board assured that there will be no issues with drinking water supply in the coming days.
