Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113058500300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Light at the end of the tunnel

Water supply resumes through Anganwadi pipeline to houses under SCB

HMWSSB calls for tenders to feeder line work
SCB to pay Water Board Rs. 4 crore as charges

HYDERABAD: Dogged by delays for many an infrastructure project, citizens of Secunderabad Cantonment have a reason to hope for better days, at least for supply of sufficient drinking water in the next few months.

Officials said the Hyderabad Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has called tenders for completing the crucial feeder line work from Mahendra Hills to Karkhana estimated to cost about Rs.9.8 crore. This pipeline work once completed would enable provision of daily water supply to the entire Cantonment.

Dire straits

should come as some kind of relief to residents living in several colonies as they have been getting water once in three or even four days just for an hour. The situation eased with water finally flowing through the Anganwadi pipeline ensuring 15 lakh gallons a day into the reservoirs and taps in the last few days . The Water Board released the valve only after the Secunderabad Cantonment Board promised to pay Rs. 4 crore as connection charges soon.

The 11 km pipeline project has ensured more water for Wards 1, 3, 6 and 7, taking the total water supply to more than 45 lakh gallons a day. Another 25 lakh gallons a day would be available once the proposed Mahendra Hills-Karkhana feeder line too is available , officials said. The feeder lines form part of a master plan prepared to provide adequate water for a projected population by 2,036 estimated to cost Rs. 107.44 crore. Another feeder line work on the pipeline is from Bolarum to Risala Bazar estimated at Rs. 11.05 crore , added officials.