SCB develops summer plan to address water crisis

Hyderabad: The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is considering developing a summer action plan to combat the rising shortage of water in the area. The plan includes several measures to ensure adequate water supply during the upcoming summer months. "We are in the process of procuring new motors to replace damaged pump sets, while the old motors will be rewound and repurposed as spare motors for emergency situations," said an SCB official.He added that the board is working on identifying additional tanker filling points across the cantonment area and plans to extend filling point timings to meet increased demand. To streamline the water distribution process, residents can now book tankers through the e-chhawani portal of the ministry of defence, which will generate bookings based on the exact geographical location of affected properties.The official said that dedicated teams are being formed to address pipeline leakages promptly. "We are taking strict action against illegal water connections. Our teams will disconnect unauthorised connections and seize their pump sets to prevent water wastage," the official stated.The board's initiative comes at a time when the cantonment area is experiencing water shortages since the first week of Feb. However, residents have expressed concerns in light of rising temperatures and increasing water demand.Ravinder Sanki, president of the Cantonment Vikas Manch, emphasised the need for additional infrastructure improvements. "The board should try to increase its storage capacity, especially in areas where there are no overhead tanks and sumps. Water is most needed in the far-off bastis in the area, and those which are at the fag end of the piping," he said.