Greater Hyderabad may shift from alternate-day drinking water supplies to once every three days if reservoir levels decline further, with current supplies potentially sustainable for only another two to three months without improved inflows. Daily water tanker bookings have risen to 6,000–7,000 from 3,000–3,500 during the corresponding period last year. Singur reservoir holds just over 3 TMC against its 29.917 TMC capacity, while Manjira has fallen to approximately 0.250 TMC against 1.5 TMC. Authorities are preparing contingency measures, including emergency pumping, prioritisation of drinking water and additional arrangements under Mission Bhagiratha. To reduce pressure on freshwater sources, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board plans to launch its ‘Dial-a-Green Tanker’ service on November 1, targeting 100 MLD of treated wastewater for construction, industrial and commercial use. With Greater Hyderabad serving around 1.3 crore people, the effectiveness of conservation measures and alternative supplies will be critical to preventing stricter restrictions ahead of summer.
Source: The New Indian Express