Hyderabad Faces Looming Water Crisis: HMWS&SB Seeks Irrigation Department’s Help
Water Levels in Major Reservoirs Dwindling
Water levels in major projects like Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam in the Krishna basin, and Sripada Yellampally in the Godavari basin are dropping rapidly. This may cause a water crisis in Greater Hyderabad and nearby areas as soon as next month.
Current Water Levels
- Nagarjunasagar: 516 feet (Full Reservoir Level: 590 feet)
- Srisailam: 819 feet (Full Reservoir Level: 885 feet)
- Yellampally: 469 feet (Full Reservoir Level: 485 feet)
Officials attribute the falling water levels in the Krishna basin projects to hot weather, groundwater depletion, and irrigation water usage.
Potential Emergency Pumping Measures
The current water level can supply drinking water for the next 20-25 days until it reaches the critical minimum drawdown level (MDDL) of 510 feet. HMWS&SB is preparing for emergency pumping if the water level in Nagarjunasagar drops further to 510 feet.
HMWS&SB’s Request to the Irrigation Department
HMWS&SB has requested the irrigation department to maintain necessary water levels in the three major reservoirs to prevent a drinking water shortage in the city. The board has written to the irrigation department to maintain the water level at 515 feet in Sagar with a storage of 131 tmc ft.
Water Supply in Greater Hyderabad
- Total drinking water supplied in the city: 581 MGD
- Water is being drawn from Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, Manjeera, Singur, Nagarjunasagar, and Sripada Yellampally
- 270 MGD is being drawn from Nagarjunasagar under Krishna Phase I, II, and III
- For the next five months, about 7 tmcft of water is required from Krishna
- HMWS&SB is getting ready for emergency pumping
The AP government has agreed to stop using water for agriculture needs from Nagarjunasagar. The irrigation department will try to maintain 515 feet at Sagar and has kept 18 tmc ft for the city’s drinking water requirements. However, the Board may have to pump water if the monsoon is delayed.
