Padmasri Hills residents protest as drinking water shortage continues

Hyderabad: Residents of Padmasri Hills Colony in Bandlaguda took to streets to protest against the drinking water crisis in their locality.

The protest rally was organised by the colony president Umamaheshwar Reddy, which saw active participation from members of the senior citizens’ association and the women’s association.

Holding empty pots in their hands, and placards to highlight their plight, several men and women attended the rally. The residents said they have been facing the drinking water crisis for nearly a decade.

The protesters said the drinking water issue was not resolved despite repeated complaints to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and concerned authorities.

“We have been facing a drinking water shortage for years now. We have been making requests to the authorities but no concrete action has been taken so far,” said a protesting resident.

Blaming the water tanker mafia for the depleting groundwater levels, the residents claimed that they are extracting underground water after dark and selling it to the needy people. They have requested the officials to take stringent action against the illegal operators.

They have urged the authorities to take swift action to resolve the water crisis and demanded an immediate end to their drinking water shortage issue. They also warned that they would intensify their protest if their grievances are not addressed immediately.

According to water board officials, following a proposal to construct a reservoir in Padmasri Hills area to address the drinking water issue, the team conducted a structural analysis and found that the site was not suitable for it as the colony is located on a ridge. The officials added that they are considering temporary solutions to resolve the locals’ drinking water problem.