Once again, the Kaleshwaram Project is coming to the rescue of the Congress government. The Mallanna Sagar reservoir, built as part of the Kaleshwaram Project, is being considered by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) as a potential permanent solution to meet Hyderabad’s growing drinking water needs.
Last summer, water from Mallanna Sagar was successfully supplied through the Godavari pipeline to the city. This experiment has led officials to consider making this a long-term arrangement.
Currently, the city receives water from Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and three phases of the Krishna project, drawing from the Godavari, Singur, and Manjeera reservoirs. Approximately 500 million gallons per day (MGD) are sourced from these reservoirs, but this is proving insufficient due to the city’s rapid expansion.
With a burgeoning population and the rise of various industries, projects, villas, and new colonies, the demand for water has surged. The government’s decision to expand the city further outward has compounded this need. In response, water board officials are planning to upgrade the water supply and sewage systems to meet the demands of the next 50 years.
Given its proximity to the city, Mallanna Sagar is being considered for this purpose. Secunderabad, located about 78 km from Mallanna Sagar in Siddipet district, could benefit from a new pipeline route through Gajwel. Officials are proposing the construction of a treatment plant in Shamirpet, which would facilitate the supply of water to various areas including Medchal, Kapra, Malkajgiri, Kukatpally, and Serilingampally.
Currently, 160 MGD of Godavari water is transferred daily from Yellampalli, with a treatment plant in Mallaram processing the water before it reaches the reservoir at Shamirpet via Murmur and Gajwel. This water is then distributed throughout the city. If the Mallanna Sagar project is undertaken, a new pipeline could be constructed parallel to the existing one, eliminating the need for land acquisition and reducing costs.
Officials believe that establishing a pipeline project at Mallanna Sagar could alleviate the city’s summer water shortages. During the summer months, when water levels in Sagar and Yellampalli decrease, pumping is required, costing crores of rupees. By sourcing water from Mallanna Sagar, the city could benefit from a more cost-effective and reliable supply.