Hyderabad Faces Severe Water Shortage as Summer Intensifies

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-30 09:24:48 |

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Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is grappling with an alarming water crisis, raising fears of a potential drought as summer sets in. Experts attribute the worsening situation to rapid urbanization and an increase in concrete structures, which have significantly depleted water resources.

Over the past decade, Hyderabad has witnessed a surge in built-up commercial and residential areas, drastically altering its natural water absorption capacity. According to municipal records, between 2010 and 2014, the city added 50.7 million square feet of commercial space. This growth accelerated between 2015 and 2019, with an additional 100.4 million square feet. Residential development has also expanded at an unprecedented pace, with over 500 million square feet of built-up area added between 2015 and 2021. Experts estimate that the city's built-up area has further increased by 70-80% in the last three years.

This rapid concretization has left little space for groundwater recharge, leading to severe depletion of underground water levels. Environmentalist BV Subba Rao highlights that water bodies, once crucial for maintaining groundwater levels, are now heavily polluted with sewage and waste. "Excessive concretisation prevents water percolation, causing groundwater depletion. The water bodies that should store and replenish water have become dumping grounds for pollutants," he explained.

The crisis is already visible, with residents reporting water shortages in several parts of the city. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming months, increasing the reliance on tanker supplies and alternative water sources. Experts warn that if immediate measures are not taken to revive water bodies and improve rainwater harvesting, Hyderabad could face severe long-term consequences.

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