Hyderabad: Private tanker operators are allegedly continuing large-scale illegal groundwater extraction in the Osmannagar and Tellapur areas on the city outskirts, even as authorities intensify surveillance around the twin reservoirs.
Illegal Water Supply to IT Corridor
Residents allege that private operators are drawing groundwater through borewells and supplying it as drinking water to apartments and gated communities across Hyderabad’s IT corridor. The tankers are reportedly charging nearly twice the rates fixed by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
Repeated Complaints Ignored
According to residents, the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association (TeNA) has, over the past three years, repeatedly submitted complaints and representations to various authorities regarding illegal borewell operations and unauthorised commercial water extraction in Tellapur and Osmannagar, particularly along the Mayfair/Infinity Lane stretch.
“Despite repeated complaints, these activities continue openly at the same locations, exposing a complete failure of enforcement mechanisms. Every year, following public complaints, revenue authorities temporarily seize illegal borewell points. Shockingly, operations resume at the same locations within two or three days,” said E Ramana, president of TeNA.
Assault on Security Guard
He further alleged that last week, a private water tanker driver and associates linked to an illegal borewell operator assaulted and threatened a community security guard after he requested them to drive slowly through the residential area.
Authorities’ Response
The ongoing illegal activities highlight the challenges faced by local authorities in curbing groundwater exploitation. Despite increased surveillance, the persistence of these operations indicates a need for stronger enforcement and stricter penalties.
