Deadly cocktail of Drinking water & amaged rains

A comprehensive survey was conducted in Hyderabad where 325 households were interviewed. The findings revealed some hard-hitting facts about water contamination being the biggest concern in about 65% of the households in the city

This year, the city received abundant rains but unfortunately have not helped in increasing the ground water levels. The rains in-turn have become a hazard as overflowing naalas and drains, which run right along or just above the drinking water pipelines, mix together.

This anomaly is seen particularly in places like Bholakpur, Musheerabad, Indira Nagar, Ranga Nagar, Nagamaiahkunta, Bathukamma Kunta, Amberpet, Nimboliadda, Addagutta, Nallagutta, Kalasiguda, Sivajinagar and Ravidranaik colony. Apart from these areas, the basthis and slums in the city have become hubs for polluted water. The water pipelines that supply water in these areas are in a dilapidated state. The overflowing drains and pipelines are brewing a deadly concoction ideal for the spread of water borne diseases.

The scenario during every monsoon is that whenever the drains overflow, the sewage contaminates the water pipes and gives rise to water borne diseases. On the other hand, the water board authorities refuse to comment on the current scenario.

A recent audit that was conducted by Eureka Forbes Institute of Environment states, ‘The city of Hyderabad is reeling under severe water contamination which is adversely affecting the health of its citizens. The water audit was aimed to map the causes and reasons that were affecting families and individuals in Hyderabad and also across India due to increasing levels of water contamination and unavailability of safe, healthy drinking water.

A comprehensive survey was conducted in Hyderabad where 325 households were interviewed. The findings revealed some hard-hitting facts about water contamination being the biggest concern in about 65% of the households in the city. Ground water samples were collected and the results revealed that a few areas in the city were severely hit by water contamination. Water-borne diseases like cholera, jaundice, typhoid, common cough and cold accounted for 70% of all the diseases.’

There are 4500 sq kms of drains in the city whereas the current population requires about 7500 sq kms. There are 6500 sq kms of water pipelines and the HMWS&SB authorities are planning to add another 1000 sq kms. It is important to note that the city has been running on pipelines that were erected during the time of the Nizams and these pipelines cover almost 80% of the city. The lines were laid catering to the population during that time but it hardly serves the current demands. The HMWS&SB is pumping out water at a capacity that the pipelines cannot handle. The pipelines are unable to handle the intense pressure which causes leakage and leads to pipe bursts.