'No water-No vote' : Manikonda residents demand water guarantee from Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

HYDERABAD: At a time when residents in the Bengaluru area are grappling with severe water scarcity, several residents of Khizira Enclave colony in Manikonda, Hyderabad took to the streets on Sunday in a protest demanding urgent action to address severe water scarcity plaguing their community.

With banners declaring 'No Water-No Vote', Seventh 'Guarantee- Water Guarantee' the residents voiced their frustration and demanded immediate solutions to alleviate their plight. The residents have appealed to municipal authorities to address the water shortage and the increasing prices of water tankers in the Manikonda area.

Also Read: Manikonda residents face water scarcity, water tanker prices surge to Rs. 1,500 - Rs. 2,000

As the fasting season of Ramadan approaches, all the residents including Muslim residents in Khizira Enclave are facing an alarming water crisis, with many pleading for access to drinking water amidst dwindling supplies. With Ramadan set to begin on March 12, 2024, Muslim households are struggling without running water and dried-up borewells.

According to distressed residents, the situation has become dire, with some households waiting for water tankers for three to four days after booking. The lack of access to water poses significant challenges for Muslim families as they prepare for the holy month of fasting.

"We are in the month of Ramzan and facing severe water scarcity in our colony. We appeal to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to guarantee us access to water. 'You have given so many guarantees, but the most crucial guarantee we need is water. How can we survive without it? questioned one of the protestors."

Other protestors from neighboring colonies who participated in the protest echoed similar concerns. Sree Upendra Nadh Reddy, president of the Venkateswara Colony Resident Welfare Association (RWAs) said, "The water scarcity issue extends far beyond Khizira Enclave, affecting numerous other colonies in Manikonda. Despite our persistent requests, we have yet to receive Manjeera water connections, exacerbating the situation. Moreover, the process of booking HMWSSB water tankers, despite the Rs. 500 charge, often results in delays of up to a week. Meanwhile, private tankers, albeit available, demand exorbitant prices ranging from Rs. 1800 to Rs. 2000, further burdening residents. Illegal bores in Govt. Lands and private lands creating 24/7 pvt. water tank movement endangering lives in Venkateswara colony."

The protestors alleged that despite repeated complaints, elected councilors and municipal commissioners never responded in addressing these issues directly. The protestors issued a challenge to all 20 councillors, as well as municipal and Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) officials, for an open debate focusing on illegal constructions, water scarcity, and municipal maintenance, including garbage disposal and pothole repairs on Manikonda.