GHMC, Water Board list 146 water-logging areas in Hyderabad ahead of rains

Hyderabad: In preparation for the early onset of the monsoon, Hyderabad In-Charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar conducted a review meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Water Board office in Khairatabad. The meeting focused on the 90-day monsoon action plan and the progress of various ongoing water supply and sewage projects in the city.

Minister Prabhakar stated that the Water Board and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have identified 146 water-logging points across the city, which will be monitored continuously during the monsoon. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water and effective sewage management, with special emphasis on maintaining adequate chlorine levels to prevent water contamination.

The Minister instructed that preventive measures be taken to avoid sewage overflow and asked all officials, from directors to field staff, to remain alert throughout the season. He reviewed the progress of soak pit construction under the monsoon plan and noted a 30 percent reduction in sewage overflow complaints.

Addressing last year’s summer water crisis, during which over 40,000 consumers booked water tankers, Prabhakar cited a survey indicating the absence of soak pits in several residential areas. He said 16,000 households have been issued notices to construct soak pits and reiterated that premises above 300 square yards within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits must comply, or face enforcement under a special action plan.

The Minister also reviewed the financial status of the Water Board and called for steps to improve revenue, prevent water wastage, fix leakages, and create public awareness about water conservation. He directed officials to act against illegal water connections and said he would take up the issue of pending government dues with the Chief Minister.

He said the government is focused on long-term water and sewage infrastructure, including the ₹7,000 crore Godavari Phase 2 and 3 projects and the construction of 39 sewage treatment plants (STPs). According to the Minister, these initiatives are expected to meet the city's water needs for the next 30 years. Citizens were advised to report any water supply or sewage-related complaints to the Water Board’s customer care number - 155313.

Earlier, Water Board Managing Director Ashok Reddy gave a presentation on ongoing and completed projects, departmental operations, and future plans. He said the 90-day monsoon program was launched by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on October 2, 2024, to address sewage issues and improve groundwater levels through soak pit construction.