Telangana plans to promote private STPs amid water concerns

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is planning to promote private sewage treatment plants (STPs) and expand the use of treated wastewater in Hyderabad to prevent drinking water shortages amid El Niño concerns. The government decided to implement the new directions for optimum use of treated water from November 1.

At a review meeting on drinking water supply and STPs on Wednesday, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed officials to ensure that all STPs in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area operate at full capacity. Officials were asked to launch awareness campaigns and introduce a toll-free number for treated-water supplies.

As per the latest decision, the State government will ensure strict enforcement of the rules mandating the use of treated water for construction activities. Treated wastewater will also be used for greenery maintenance at government offices, including the Secretariat and Chief Minister’s Office, public parks and road cleaning.

Treated water will be supplied to data centres, while REDCO officials were asked to explore solar power for operating treatment plants.

Emphasising water quality, Revanth Reddy called for modern treatment standards, dedicated officers at each plant and round-the-clock monitoring through the Integrated Command Control Centre. He also wanted officials to monitor reservoir storage levels regularly and ensure an uninterrupted drinking water supply.

HYDRAA would monitor plant performance, while a tracking system would be introduced for treated-water tankers. Officials informed the meeting that treated water from 26 STPs was being distributed through green tankers, with consumers paying only transportation charges.