Ponnam Prabhakar Urges Citizens to Turn Water Conservation into a People's Movement

Emphasizing that every drop of water is precious, Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said protecting groundwater and utilizing rainwater efficiently is the social responsibility of every citizen. He made the remarks while addressing a Rainwater Harvesting Awareness Programme organized by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) at Saifabad Science College, Osmania University.

During the programme, the minister inaugurated a Rainwater Harvesting Injection Point, harvesting pits, and harvesting borewells established on the college campus. He also planted saplings and led students and faculty in a pledge under the theme, "Save Every Drop of Water – Protect the Environment," encouraging them to actively conserve rainwater and safeguard groundwater resources.

Appreciating the college's efforts, Ponnam Prabhakar said the institution had become a model not only in education but also in promoting sustainable water conservation practices. He stressed that every sector depends on water and urged people to prevent rainwater from flowing into drains by ensuring it is recharged into the ground through scientifically designed harvesting systems.

The minister observed that the rapid expansion of cement roads and concrete infrastructure in Hyderabad has significantly reduced the natural absorption of rainwater into the soil. He appealed to every household, institution, and commercial establishment to install recharge pits and rainwater harvesting systems to improve groundwater levels.

Recalling Hyderabad's historic focus on water conservation, he noted that the city had prioritized the construction of lakes since the Nizam era and said the same vision should now be strengthened using modern technology. He also highlighted that rainwater harvesting has been mandatory for building approvals since 2016, reflecting the government's long-term commitment to sustainable water management.

Expressing concern over the city's increasing water demand, the minister revealed that the daily deployment of water tankers has risen from 4,000 to nearly 12,000, indicating growing pressure on water resources. He added that 3,000 to 4,000 borewells across Hyderabad have already dried up and said installing rainwater harvesting injection points could help recharge many of them.

Highlighting the state's achievements, Ponnam Prabhakar said the Telangana government has been actively promoting rainwater harvesting since launching the campaign on October 2, 2024. He stated that Telangana currently ranks second in the country in implementing the initiative and aims to secure the top position in the near future.

The minister further announced that rainwater harvesting systems will soon be made mandatory in ministers' residences, government offices, and the State Legislative Assembly building. Calling for a collective effort, he urged citizens to transform water conservation into a people's movement, with every family playing its part in protecting the state's precious water resources.

The programme was attended by MLC Addanki Dayakar, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, District Collector Priyanka Ala, HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy, and several senior officials.