In a serious environmental violation, authorities in Hyderabad have registered a case against two individuals for attempting to illegally discharge sewage into the crucial Osman Sagar drinking water reservoir. The swift action followed a complaint by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
Illegal Activity Foiled by Vigilant Patrols
The incident took place on December 17 around 8:00 AM near Himayat Nagar village. According to officials from the water board, their patrolling staff intercepted a private septic tanker that was trying to release sewage within the protected zone of the reservoir. Upon being questioned, the tanker driver, identified as Ramavath Shiva Naik (33), reportedly confessed that he was acting on the instructions of another person, Niranjan, a resident of Himayat Nagar. The Moinabad police have subsequently booked both individuals under relevant legal sections.
Serious Violations and Public Reassurance
Officials highlighted that the case involved multiple grave infractions. Notably, the private tanker was found to be illegally displaying the official HMWSSB logo. This was allegedly done to bypass security checks and deceive enforcement personnel, a tactic that raised serious concerns about premeditated misconduct.
The event triggered significant speculation on social media platforms regarding potential contamination of the city's drinking water source. Addressing these public concerns directly, HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy stated that the situation was brought under control immediately. He clarified that no sewage actually entered the reservoir, and therefore, the drinking water supply remains perfectly safe for consumption.
Zero Tolerance Policy and Call for Public Vigilance
While acknowledging that untreated sewage from nearby settlements sometimes flows towards the twin reservoirs, the MD issued a stern warning against any deliberate acts of pollution. He emphasized a policy of zero tolerance and announced that surveillance around all reservoirs would be intensified. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating environmental laws, he assured.
In light of this incident, the HMWSSB has made a strong appeal to citizens to act as watchdogs. The board has urged people to promptly report any sightings of illegal dumping or suspicious activity near water bodies to the local police or directly to the water board's customer care helpline at 155313.
