SCB faces acute water shortage

With bore wells running dry, residents say the dependence on supplied water has increased

Many parts of Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) have begun experiencing acute water scarcity, which residents apprehend would worsen with approaching summer.

Erratic water supply to several Cantonment areas became a problem in the last one month with the ending of monsoon. With bore wells running dry, residents say the dependence on supplied water has increased, but they have to rely on water tankers as the water supplied by SCB is erratic and insufficient.

“The water is supplied either on the second, third or fourth day. The supply has not been consistent, leaving the colony dependent on tankers. We did not face water problems a few years ago, despite our colony being the oldest,” said Perviz. P. Nalladaru, a resident of Ishaq Colony in West Maredpally. The situation in neighbouring colonies like Krishnapuri is no different.

“Every person ultimately gets only half the amount of water required for daily consumption. While areas like ours make do with short supply, some areas receive plentiful supply,” a resident of Krishnapuri Colony, not wanting to be named, said.

Water problem is also persistent on the opposite extreme of SCB in areas of Viman Nagar, abutting Balamrai where supply was consistent until a few months ago. According to Viman Nagar resident P. Vittal Reddy though supply is regular, it is hardly sufficient.

The worst-affected are parts of Trimulgherry, Bolarum and Lothkunta where supply to some areas is nearly non-existent.

The issue of water is expected to become a heater issue during the upcoming board election in January next year.

“The previous ward members allowed illegal constructions and connections. This is the main reason for scarcity,” said D.B. Devender, a local politician, who partly blames the scarcity to SCB’s mounting dues owed to Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).

The SCB owes HMWSSB around Rs.18 crore. SCB officials however, maintained that the payment of dues was not a problem and the situation would improve later this month.

“After Karkhana area began getting supply from Mahendra Hills, we are getting an additional six lakh gallon of water. We will change the water supply schedule and quantity after November 26, which would address water problems in 70 per cent of SCB areas,” said Raj Kumar, Superintendent (Water wing).