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Reservoirs drying up
Reservoirs drying up, Even at the fag end of July, the lack of rains is putting the drinking water reserves in the city in a precarious position. The water levels are receding drastically in Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar.
If it doesn’t rain in August, city will have weekly supply of water
- Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar will be dried up in six months
- 15 mgd of supply cut expected from September
- Water Board plans Emergency Pumping (EP) in the two lakes with ` 51 cr
Even at the fag end of July, the lack of rains is putting the drinking water reserves in the city in a precarious position. The water levels are receding drastically in Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar. Initial estimates by the Water Board suggest that there might be a strong possibility of cutting the supply by 15-20 mgd a day. The two lakes contribute towards one third of the city’s drinking water needs, with the Water Board supplying 340 mgd of 490 mgd of water supply requirements.
Though there are no official water supply cuts, many areas in the core city are receiving scanty water supply every day and that too for a shorter duration of time on alternate days. Outskirts like Sainikpuri, Serilingampally, Uppal, Kapra and Alwal are facing acute shortage. Water Board officials maintain that they are supplying drinking water once in three days but citizens lament that they receive water only once in five days.
Experts say that cuts in supply will mean tougher days for people. They estimate that the core city may receive water twice a week while it will be once a week for outskirts.
Officials of the Water Board inform that they are planning for Emergency Pumping (EP). “We are currently supplying 40 mgd each from both the lakes. If there are no rains in the month of August, we have to cut the supply by 15 mgd a day. Come November, the supply will be reduced by another 10 mgd and both the lakes will supply only 15 mgd each. Initial estimates say that Osman Sagar will be completely dried up by April.”
Singur supplies 75 mgd of water. Official reports with the Water Board states that with the low levels in the reservoir, it has to resort to emergency pumping from February. However, the water level in the Manjeera lake is a relief as it is estimated to last till May, but Manjeera supplies only 45 mgd towards the city’s drinking water requirements.
“Keeping in view the lack of rains, we are prepared for Emergency Pumping plans, with a budget of Rs 51.1 crore. The proposal has been sent to the government for approval. We are preparing for all the emergencies. Krishna phase III is expected to be partially operational by December, which will answer the water woes to an extent,” informed Jagadeeshwar, in-charge MD, Water Board.
Emergency Pumping
If the water levels fall below a certain mark, the Water Board officials will employ high power motors to pump water to the pipelines
