Hyderabad’s drive towards sustainable water management is intensifying as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has announced that over 17,000 property owners will soon receive notices for failing to install rainwater harvesting pits. These notices come as part of a citywide effort to ensure water conservation and boost groundwater levels, crucial in the face of rising urban water demand.
A recent survey by the water board identified 42,000 properties, each spread over 300 square meters or more, that require rainwater harvesting structures. Of these, only 22,000 buildings have implemented the necessary water harvesting systems, leaving 17,000 properties without these vital structures. The water board has set a deadline of December 31, 2024, for property owners to install the required rainwater harvesting pits. Failing to comply will result in double charges for water tanker services starting January 1, 2025. This regulation stems from the AP Water, Land, and Tree Act (APWALTA) of 2002, which originally mandated rainwater harvesting for buildings with plot areas exceeding 200 square meters. Over time, the threshold for mandatory installation was revised to 300 square meters or more, aiming to foster water conservation throughout the region.
As part of this initiative, HMWS&SB is also targeting property owners who either lack rainwater harvesting systems or have systems that are no longer functional. Notices sent by the water board emphasize the importance of maintaining or installing these systems, which include injection wells or shafts for effective groundwater recharge. For properties with existing systems, the water board is urging owners to ensure their systems are functioning properly and are well-maintained. The water board’s consultant, J Sathyanarayana, highlighted that this is the first time such notices have been issued on a large scale, with a survey already completed for 39,000 properties out of the total 42,000 identified. The authorities are expected to finalize the survey in the next two weeks.
Interestingly, the survey found that gated communities and large apartment complexes were generally in compliance, with well-maintained rainwater harvesting systems. In contrast, many smaller residential buildings were found lacking in both the installation and upkeep of these essential water-saving systems. This regulatory push is part of Hyderabad’s broader commitment to sustainable urban development and water conservation, ensuring that the city’s water needs are met while safeguarding precious groundwater resources for future generations.
