HMWSSB tankers being diverted, allege locals

Serilingampally: HMWSSB tankers meant to quench thirst of people are allegedly being diverted for commercial use in construction activities in Gachibowli and Kondapur areas because of lack of proper supervision of officials. There is a heavy demand for water in the two areas.

Taking advantage, owners of tankers and drivers are diverting them. Tankers were earlier being used by hotels and establishments. Booked for domestic purposes, they are now allegedly being diverted and increasingly used for commercial purposes, lured by the offer of money. The staff of Madhapur division Water Works office is accused of colluding with the owners and drivers.

Water tankers are being allegedly diverted to meet the needs of IT companies, multi-storeyed complexes, star hotels and restaurants in Madhapur, Gachibowli and Kondapur areas. These commercial establishments are looking to HMWSSB tankers because of their low rates. Each tanker is supplied to a customer four to seven days after booking. Local residents, while speaking to The Hans India, expressed their ire at the diversion of water tankers for commercial use.

In an example of such diversion, a 10,000-litre tanker was booked recently in the name of Chella Linga Reddy of plot No.67, A Block, Kondapur. It was diverted and openly used at a building under construction in the same colony. When questioned by THI, on the use of drinking water for commercial purposes, the tanker driver replied that 'Sir knows everything,' and that he was merely supplying water where here asked to do so.

When THI tried to contact on phone HMWSSB Madhapur division manager, he did not respond. When approached at his office, the staff replied that he had gone out. Diversion of water is taking place at a time when many city residents are struggling to secure the life-giver because of grossly inadequate rainfall and drying of bore-wells in a large number of colonies.