Hyderabad: It is a known secret that groundwater is stolen in spacious sunlight across Hyderabad. Even if this is done publicly, no one stops it. Despite repeated complaints, officials continue to go, leaving residents helpless and worried about the future.
Areas such as Tellapur, Osmannagar, Tarnaka, and Dathunagar near Balapur have become hubs for illegal groundwater extraction. Locals, talk to him Deccan Chroniclesaid this has been going on for years and despite repeated complaints to officials, no action was taken.
In the Sai Ganesh Nagar colony near Balabur, residents complained about the arrival of private tankers in the early morning. “It’s been going on for years. I’ve lived here for 12 years and it’s always the same,” said S. Asif, vice president of Sai Ganesh Nagar Colony. He added: “We’ve complained a lot, but no one listened. I see over 100 tankers here every day. It might not be a crisis now, but if the process continues, our pores will dry.”
Another inhabitant of the colony did not want to be named, and he said the problem was more than just water. “These tankers have damaged our roads. We have CC roads and built them with our own funds, but now they are full of cracks and potholes. The driver is reckless, and despite our complaints, no one can stop them.”
Even if the government orders, Order No. 15 of 2023 must make all commercial water tanks be registered and mandatory for No Objection Certificate (NOC), but many are operating illegally.
According to the groundwater department, only 104 tankers were registered from the Medchal and Rangareddy areas, which was a small number compared to the actual operation of the entire area.
The situation is the same in many communities in the city. “More than 100 tankers blocked gopanpally and Osmannagar Road every day, illegally absorbing water,” said E. Ramana, a resident of Tellapur. He added: “We have raised this question several times with the MROs in question, but so far, no action has been taken. Some landlords are using their land for the Borewell action, saying it is their land and they can do whatever they want.”
When asked about the lack of law enforcement, authorities responded vaguely. They acknowledge that despite the existence of regulations like the Volta Act, there is virtually no proper implementation. “There is no dedicated committee or team. Without coordination among departments, it is difficult to act.” A senior official from the groundwater department said.
He further added that from April 2024 to now, Rs 1,959 crore was charged as groundwater extraction fees and a fine of 6.1 million. Although the Walta bill was imposed on several illegal Borewell connections, tankers continued to operate freely, with residents saying people were not afraid of being caught. The lack of follow-up and visible penalties will only encourage more violations.
“It’s not happening in secret that anyone walking through these colonies can see tankers sucking groundwater constantly. But the authorities act like blind. They have the law, they have the power, their power, their withdrawal fees, but it’s daily robbery when it’s not obligated.
