The number of buildings in Kukatpally and its surrounding areas is increasing steadily every year and so are the water woes of residents living in these areas.
Majority of bore wells here have gone dry and insufficient supply by water board is literally forcing residents to depend on water tankers. But of late, residents are finding it difficult to get water tankers, including those of water board and private operators.
The fact that there are over 300 tanker deliveries still pending in Bhagyanagar area gives an indication of the situation. Be it Sumitranagar, Allwyn Colony, Kukatpally Housing Board phase III, IV and VI, Hasmathpet, Vivekananda Nagar and other areas, the situation is grim.
While water board takes much time in supplying tankers, majority of private tanker operators have curtailed their operations. “Since last couple of weeks, Revenue Department officials are seizing our vehicles saying that sale of water is illegal. There is no choice but to restrict our operations,” says a tanker operator.
Despite being offered exorbitant charges most operators are not willing to supply water. “Neighbouring residents of Shanthinagar, AS Raju nagar pay Rs.1,000 for a 5000-litre tanker in advance but still have to wait at least two days to get one tanker. In a bid to avoid being caught by revenue authorities, operators are supplying water during late night hours,” says Soma Yadav, president of Sumitranagar Association.
Similar is the case with Kukatpally Housing Board VI phase residents. Water is supplied every alternate day but residents complain of poor pressure and depend on water board and private tankers.
“Every time, we call the water board toll free number to book a tanker, we are informed that it would take a week to supply,” says M. Subbaiah, former secretary of Kukatpally Housing Board VI phase.
Residents here inform that there about 300 apartments and each flat owner spends nearly Rs. 2,000 for water. The vexed residents have approached the local water board authorities to improve the water pressure.
On the contrary water board authorities claim that water is supplied at sufficient pressure every alternate day.
Further, the size of pipe connections in most buildings does not match their requirements. Though, water is supplied at sufficient pressure, only limited water is supplied due to the pipe size. This apart, entire KPHB division requires 20 MGD of water but only 15 MGD is being supplied. As a result, there is severe shortage, explains an officer.
“There are about 55 tankers in the division and with heavy demand for tankers, bookings are getting accumulated everyday. However, we are supplying tankers in three days after the booking,” he says.
