Hyderabad is grappling with an intensified water crisis during the holy month of Muharram, as prolonged supply disruptions affect religious activities and industrial production. Residents across numerous localities report water unavailability for days, forcing families and organizers of majalis and sabeels to purchase water from neighborhood filtration plants.
Widespread Shortages in Residential Areas
Severe shortages are being experienced in densely populated areas including Phuleli, Pretabad, Liaquat Colony, Afandi Town, Timber Market, Khahi Road, Khata Chowk, Teen Number Talab, Tando Tayyab, Millatabad, Makki Bagh, Jareel Shah Colony, Tando Agha, Heerabad, Sarfraz Colony, and Amil Colony. Several units of Latifabad, particularly Units 8, 11, and 12, have also been affected. Residents say water is either unavailable for days at a time or supplied for only a few minutes.
Allegations of Negligence and Illegal Connections
Complaints have surfaced regarding unattended pipeline leakages and delayed maintenance work. Residents of the Heerabad Jail Road area claim that illegal water connections are being installed while roads are repeatedly cut during nighttime operations. Despite complaints, no meaningful action has been taken, fueling public frustration and allegations of administrative negligence against the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HWSC).
Industrial Sector Impact
The crisis has spread into Hyderabad's industrial sector. Zubair Ghanghra, chairman of the Hyderabad Site Association of Trade and Industry (HSATI), warned that persistent water shortages are disrupting industrial production, weakening the investment climate, and affecting the livelihoods of thousands of workers. He stated that industrial units are struggling to secure even their basic water requirements and are increasingly relying on expensive private tanker services. Industries including textiles, food processing, packaging, rice, edible oil, and chemicals depend on a consistent supply of quality water, making the shortage a direct threat to productivity, product quality, and competitiveness.
