Save Water, Power: MD Ashok Reddy Sets 20% Target for Jal Board Offices

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy has directed all offices under the board to achieve at least 20 per cent savings in water and electricity consumption, urging officials and employees to lead by example in conservation efforts.

With El Niño conditions expected to pose challenges to water availability, Ashok Reddy stressed the importance of protecting water resources and adopting sustainable practices. He said conservation must begin within the organisation before officials educate the public about the need to save water and energy.

As part of the measures, air conditioners in all board offices must be set at 25 degrees Celsius, and their use should stop after 5 pm. Exceptions will be allowed only with special permission from senior officials for essential operational requirements. Water discharged from air conditioners should be collected and reused for watering plants, cleaning office premises and other activities that do not require drinking water.

The MD instructed officials to identify and immediately repair leaks in office buildings, toilets, pipelines, taps, water storage tanks and other facilities. Regular monitoring must ensure that water is not wasted.

He also directed employees to switch off lights, fans, computers and other electrical equipment whenever they are not required. Unnecessary power consumption after office hours must be avoided. Every office should regularly monitor water and electricity usage and compare the figures with previous consumption levels to ensure the 20 per cent reduction target is achieved.

The respective office heads will be responsible for implementing the guidelines. Ashok Reddy warned that negligence leading to the wastage of water or electricity would not be tolerated.

To encourage compliance, the board will identify and recognise offices that effectively implement conservation measures and meet the prescribed targets. Officials and employees who achieve the best results in saving water and electricity each month will receive special certificates of appreciation.

Ashok Reddy urged employees to consider conservation a personal responsibility and turn small steps into daily habits. He said the board's offices should become role models for the public by demonstrating responsible water and energy use.