Hyderabad Water Board Confronts Severe Supply Shortfall Following Jurisdiction Expansion
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is grappling with a critical supply squeeze after the state government significantly enlarged its operational limits. Under the Core Urban Region (CURE) initiative, the board's jurisdiction has been expanded from approximately 1,400 square kilometers to 2,053 square kilometers, marking a sharp increase of 653 square kilometers.
Stagnant Supply Amidst Rapid Urban Growth
Despite this jurisdictional growth, bulk water availability has not kept pace with the expanding demands. HMWSSB currently supplies around 600 million gallons per day (MGD), a figure that has remained largely unchanged for years. This stagnation occurs against a backdrop of rapid urban development and a surge in new water connections, exacerbating the strain on existing infrastructure.
Even within the previous limits, numerous neighborhoods have faced acute shortages, particularly during peak summer months. Peripheral colonies and new residential layouts often resort to groundwater extraction and private tanker services when reservoir levels decline, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.
Projected Demand Surge and Infrastructure Gaps
With the CURE expansion, demand is anticipated to climb further, intensifying pressure on the water supply system. Officials estimate that Hyderabad already requires nearly 700 MGD to meet current needs. Projections indicate that demand could exceed 830 MGD within the next year, underscoring the urgency for enhanced capacity.
Urban planners warn that expanding service boundaries without parallel investments in new water sources, storage facilities, transmission lines, and distribution networks could deepen stress on the system. This mismatch between jurisdiction and resources poses significant challenges for sustainable urban management.
Official Statements and Future Prospects
An HMWSSB official commented on the situation, stating, "The completion of Godavari Phase II and III projects will bridge the supply gap. Currently, we have around 14.2 lakh water connections. With the merger, the connections would be around 16 lakh." This highlights ongoing efforts to address the shortfall through infrastructure projects, though immediate concerns remain.
The expansion reflects broader trends in Hyderabad's urbanization, where administrative boundaries are being redrawn to accommodate growth. However, without commensurate enhancements in water supply infrastructure, residents in newly included areas may face heightened risks of scarcity and reliance on unsustainable alternatives.
