Mansoorabad residents seek action against illegal water extraction amid rising scarcity
Hyderabad: Residents of Mansoorabad are raising concerns over the illegal use of motor pumps to draw water from drinking water pipelines. The unauthorized action is causing a significant drop in water pressure, leaving many households with insufficient water supply. As summer approaches, residents are experiencing increased water scarcity and have called on the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to take stringent action against those responsible.
Venkat Ankam, founder of the Dha3R NGO, spoke to the Hyderabad Mail about the matter, explaining that residents are using motor pumps to illegally extract water, further aggravating the shortage. "When the water pressure drops, some individuals are taking matters into their own hands by using pumps to draw water directly from the pipelines, which makes the problem worse for everyone else," said Venkat Ankam. "I’ve already informed local officers about this issue, but no action has been taken so far. I haven't received any follow-up calls or updates on the situation."
Venkat Ankam also criticized HMWSSB for their slow response to water-related issues, including poor maintenance of water leaks and sewage overflows. "They seem to be good at addressing problems only when someone complains. There's no preventive action. It’s only after complaints that they take corrective measures," he said.
@HMWSSBOnline @MDHMWSSB
When water pressure is low, few residents are illegally using motor pumps to draw water from drinking water pipelines. This is making water pressure too low for others. I called local officers in Mansoorabad but no action is taken so far.— Dha3R NGO (@Dha3r_Ngo) April 1, 2025
The misuse of drinking water continues to be a pressing concern. Venkat Ankam pointed out that some people use drinking water to wash balconies, cars, and bikes, while others drain water onto the streets without any penalties. He also highlighted the rise in illegal water connections and unauthorized road cuts for water supply, which go largely unchecked.
Despite these concerns, HMWSSB has been quick to take action in other areas. On March 12, 2025, the board fined a resident in Journalist Colony, Jubilee Hills, ₹1,000 for wasting drinking water by using it to wash their vehicle. This followed a similar case just a week earlier when another person was fined for the same violation in the same area. The HMWSSB has stepped up enforcement in response to public complaints, with General Manager M. Hari Shankar leading an inspection in Journalist Colony that resulted in the fine.
Earlier, on March 5, HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy imposed a fine after catching an individual washing a bike with drinking water near Punjagutta. HMWSSB officials have explained that misuse of drinking water for non-essential purposes, such as vehicle cleaning or gardening, is strictly prohibited and subject to penalties.
Does a top-level MD really need to spot a water leak and order an inquiry just to impose a single fine? Why isn’t this being done daily? The rules already exist, but without enforcement, nothing will change. @HMWSSBOnline what are you waiting for?@SubbarajuX any thoughts?
— Venkat Ankam 🏃♂️ (@ActivistAnkam) March 5, 2025
With Hyderabad’s water supply being a limited resource, the HMWSSB has urged citizens to be responsible and conserve drinking water. The board supplies 550 million gallons of water daily to over 13 lakh households in the city. HMWSSB has also reminded the public that the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes will result in legal action.
Though the intent and caution for the coming severe summer are noted with due respect, this incident is an absurdly poor choice to drive home a message.
And casts doubts on the efficacy of the organization as feared…
— Subbaraju (@SubbarajuX) March 5, 2025
For issues related to water and sewerage services, residents can contact HMWSSB through its customer service numbers at 155313 or 040-23300114 or reach out via social media. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) can be contacted for related concerns through their official social media handles.
HMWSSB, which was established in 1989, is responsible for managing the city's water supply and sewerage services, while the GHMC oversees municipal affairs across the city.
