Delay in rainfall, 36% rise in tanker bookings in July over last year 

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) recorded a 36% increase in water tanker bookings by consumers in July, compared to data from previous years.

The trend may continue if the delay in rainfall persists in the coming weeks, the Board chief K. Ashok Reddy said on Tuesday. The unusual situation arose particularly for lack of abundant rain this month.

It was 86,520 water tankers from July 1 to 14, compared to 63,724 water tankers during the same period last year. The Board has a fleet of 1,135 water tankers and 140 filling points.

As during any dry period, the demand for water tankers even in July is from six divisions in the city – SR Nagar, Kukatpally, Durgam Cheruvu, Nizampet, Manikonda, and Sahebnagar.

RWHs mandatory

Officials noted that about 42,000 consumers, of the total 14 lakh connections, are water tanker buyers. A majority of 2.84 lakh tankers or 90% of the tankers were also booked by these repeat consumers during the summer season.

Officials said a rainwater harvesting (RWH) pit was mandatory for every house with an area of 300 sq. yards and above. A related survey conducted last year revealed that about 16,000 consumers, who are only dependent on tankers for their daily water, are also the ones without an RWH.

The Board also proposed the doubling of water tanker charges last year but did not implement it. However, a list of such consumers would be prepared shortly, for compulsory awareness and for constructing RWHs.