Latest news with #RWHS
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Hyberabad Minister Ponnam Prabhakar reviews Hyderabad's monsoon readiness
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad in-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday said that the state government would take necessary steps to ensure that residents of the city do not face difficulties due to ongoing rainfall. Prabhakar held a review meeting with Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) managing director K Ashok Reddy and senior officials at the Water Board office in Khairatabad. The meeting focused on the 90-day monsoon plan and ongoing project works. Prabhakar directed officials, from directors to field staff to remain alert during the monsoon season, particularly regarding drinking water supply and sewage management. Stating that GHMC and the Board have identified 146 waterlogging points for regular monitoring, he instructed officials to prevent sewage overflow and ensure the use of residual chlorine to avoid contamination. The minister said notices had been issued to 16,000 residents to construct Rain Water Harvesting Structure (RWHS) pits. He urged those owning properties above 300 square yards within ORR limits to comply. He reviewed the Water Board's financial condition, suggesting measures to boost revenue, curb water wastage and leakages, and take action against illegal sewage connections. Fresh tenders for streetlights maintenance Hyderabad: The GHMC Standing Committee has unanimously approved the call for fresh tenders to maintain 5.42 lakh LED streetlights across the city. Until a new agency is finalised, GHMC's Zonal Commissioners will oversee maintenance, procurement and repairs. Following the expiry of its contract with M/s Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) last month, the GHMC Electrical Wing had placed two proposals before the committee: renewing the EESL contract under revised terms or inviting new tenders
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Erratic spells of rain do little for groundwater levels in Telangana
HYDERABAD: While the recent spells of rain across Hyderabad did offer some relief from the sweltering heat, groundwater levels in the city remain largely unaffected. The reason? Widespread concretisation that hindered rainwater infiltration, causing most of the runoff to drain into stormwater systems rather than replenishing underground aquifers. Between May 1 and 15 this year, over 1.14 lakh water tankers were booked by consumers through the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), with a daily average exceeding 7,610 bookings — similar to previous years. Officials confirmed that the rains had minimal impact on groundwater recharge, with most water flowing into drains instead of soaking into the soil. The groundwater in Hyderabad is classified as overexploited. Authorities have pointed to the lack of rainwater percolation due to urban development and inadequate implementation of Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS). Though about 45–50% of houses and apartments have RWHS pits, many have become defunct due to poor maintenance. As borewells dry up during summer, the dependency on tankers continues. Officials said that any noteworthy recharge would require 10 to 15 consecutive days of rainfall. This means that occasional spells of rain are insufficient to restore groundwater levels. Recharge wells, or injection wells, are also being considered as a solution for direct percolation into deeper aquifers. HMWSSB has been promoting RWHS and public awareness on their benefits. The HMWSSB has urged the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to enforce stricter compliance under the WALTA Act, particularly by verifying RWHS construction before granting Occupancy Certificates for buildings over 200 square metres. HMWSSB has also offered technical assistance for RWHS installation.
