Treated Water Mandate: CM Revanth Reddy Orders Strict Usage from Nov 1
CM Revanth Reddy orders mandatory use of treated water for non-potable needs in Hyderabad, integrating AI and solar power into STPs.
In a decisive move to conserve fresh water resources, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered that the use of treated water in Telangana for all non-potable requirements become mandatory starting November 1. During a comprehensive review of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), the Chief Minister directed civic bodies within the Greater Hyderabad limits to ensure a seamless supply of treated water for various urban needs.
Priority Areas for Treated Water Supply
The Chief Minister has issued specific instructions to prioritize the supply of treated water for landscaping and maintenance across several key locations. These include:
- The State Secretariat and the CMO camp office.
- Road cleaning operations along the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
- Public parks and data centres.
To ensure long-term sustainability, CM Revanth Reddy has mandated that the requirement to use treated water be integrated directly into the building permit approval process, making it a prerequisite for new constructions.
Tech-Driven Monitoring and AI Integration
Aiming for modernization, the Chief Minister emphasized the integration of advanced technology into the management of STPs. He called for the utilization of AI technology to optimize the functioning of these plants. To maintain strict standards, the following measures were ordered:
- The appointment of a special officer dedicated to monitoring the quality of water produced by STPs.
- The integration of all STPs with a centralized command and control centre for real-time oversight.
- Empowering HYDRAA to monitor the operations of the STPs.
Expanding Scope: Metro, Railways, and Solar Energy
The scope of the mandate extends beyond civic landscaping. CM Revanth Reddy specifically enquired about the water needs of the Railways and Metro Rail, ordering that treated water be used for all their non-drinking requirements.
Addressing the rising demand for electricity, the Chief Minister instructed officials to explore the feasibility of implementing solar power for STPs. He also suggested roping in private agencies to assist in the establishment and management of these plants.
Public Awareness and Fresh Water Security
Recognizing that public cooperation is key, the CM called for widespread awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits and uses of treated water. Additionally, a toll-free number will be established to handle inquiries and requests for treated water supply.
While focusing on treated water, the Chief Minister also reviewed the current status of drinking water with Water Board officials. He stressed the need for proactive planning to meet future requirements and insisted on continuous monitoring of fresh water supplies to prevent any potential shortages.
Key Officials in Attendance
The high-level review meeting saw the presence of several top administrators, including Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, CMO Secretary Manik Raj, Director of School Education Naveen Nicholas, Cyberabad Municipal Commissioner Srujana, Malkajgiri Municipal Commissioner Vinay Krishna Reddy, Water Board Managing Director Ashok Reddy, TGSPDCL Managing Director Jitesh V Patil, Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Ravi, and I&PR Special Commissioner Mukunda Reddy.