Water crisis looms over Nizamabad

Metro India News | NIZAMABAD

Nizamabad district is staring at a drinking water crisis as July draws to a close without receiving significant rainfall. With reservoirs and tanks rapidly depleting, officials say the available water reserves are sufficient for only the next 25 days. If rains continue to elude the region, several parts of the undivided Nizamabad district could face severe drinking water shortages. Delays in pipeline projects and recurring leakages are further worsening the situation.

Drinking water under Mission Bhagiratha is supplied to 875 villages in Armur, Balkonda, Kamareddy and Yellareddy constituencies from the Sriramsagar Project, while Singur Reservoir caters to 819 villages in Bodhan, Jukkal, Banswada and parts of Yellareddy. Of the 19 TMC capacity at Singur, only 5 TMC remains, while Nizamsagar currently holds about 6 TMC, enough to meet drinking water needs for around 25 days.

The situation is particularly critical in Kamareddy district, where 215 villages are yet to receive Mission Bhagiratha water due to delays in a new Rs 142-crore pipeline project. The work, launched two years ago, has stalled over a 4-km stretch near Indalvai because of pending forest clearances. As a result, these villages are dependent on panchayat borewells, even as groundwater levels continue to decline.

Nizamabad city, with a population of around 4.68 lakh, is also facing a looming water shortage. Alisagar, Masani and Manchippa tanks together hold water sufficient for only about 20 days. The municipal corporation is currently operating only half of its pumping motors to conserve supplies. The 50-year-old Alisagar pipeline continues to suffer frequent leakages, resulting in recurring repair costs. Similar issues persist with the Manchippa and Masani pipelines, while construction of a new pipeline from Masani to the Khilla filter bed is progressing slowly.

Officials said Alisagar and Masani tanks would be replenished with Nizamsagar water within a week and assured that drinking water supply would remain the top priority while pipeline works are expedited.