Hyderabad Water Security: CM Orders Reservoir Monitoring, Full STP Capacity

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to take proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in Hyderabad, warning that the city must remain prepared for potential shortages amid the threat of El Niño and severe rainfall deficits. He stressed the need to anticipate future demand, maintain adequate reserves and regularly monitor water levels in reservoirs to prevent a crisis.

During a review meeting at the MCRHRD Institute’s Bodhi Pavilion, the Chief Minister assessed drinking water supply across the Core Urban Region (CURE), the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and the utilisation of treated wastewater. He instructed officials to ensure that all treatment plants operate at 100 per cent capacity and that the treated water is used efficiently rather than wasted.

The Chief Minister called for expanding the use of treated wastewater across government establishments, including the Secretariat, the Chief Minister’s Office, Outer Ring Road facilities and Metro Rail infrastructure. He said the water should be used for maintaining green spaces, watering public parks and cleaning roads. He also directed officials to strictly enforce regulations requiring the use of treated water in construction activities.

To improve wastewater management, Revanth Reddy asked authorities to encourage private sewage treatment plants and arrange treated water supplies for data centres. Officials from the Renewable Energy Development Corporation (REDCO) were instructed to explore the feasibility of solar-powered STP operations to improve energy efficiency.

Emphasising quality and accountability, the Chief Minister directed officials to adopt advanced treatment technologies and ensure that water quality standards are not compromised. A dedicated officer must be appointed at every treatment plant, with all facilities connected to a command-and-control centre for continuous monitoring. He also instructed HYDRAA to inspect plant operations regularly and establish a tracking system for tankers transporting treated wastewater.

The government was also asked to create public awareness about the safe and effective use of treated water and introduce a dedicated toll-free number to address queries and complaints.

Revanth Reddy directed officials to implement the instructions on STP management and treated water utilisation from November 1. Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board officials informed him that treated water was already being supplied through Green Water tankers from 26 STPs. The water is provided free of cost, with consumers paying only transportation charges.