Compiled from reports by The News Minute, Deccan Chronicle and NewsMeter. See the original articles linked below.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has introduced a mobile application called PAANI, short for "Water Warriors", through which residents can report the wastage and misuse of drinking water. The launch comes as the city is projected to face a supply gap in the first half of next year, according to several outlets.
The News Minute reported that Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launched the app and that the board did so on October 30. Deccan Chronicle dated its report October 29, so the outlets differ slightly on the timing.
How the app works
According to The News Minute, people who wish to take part must first register as "Save Water Volunteers" by submitting a government-issued identity document, and then use the app, which is listed on the Google Play Store. NewsMeter reported that each complaint goes through SMS-based verification and a field inspection by officials, that the complainant's identity is kept confidential, and that confirmed violations can lead to notices and penalties. Deccan Chronicle wrote that the stated aim of the exercise is public awareness and not the collection of fines.
NewsMeter added that volunteers who make a notable contribution will be felicitated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The News Minute noted that restaurants and pubs were recently fined Rs 20,000 each over alleged misuse of water.
The projected shortfall
The outlets give different figures for the expected deficit. Deccan Chronicle's headline refers to a possible deficit of 50 million gallons a day (MGD), and the paper said falling storage in the Singur and Manjeera reservoirs and declining groundwater levels are behind the concern. The News Minute and NewsMeter both reported a possible gap of up to 100 MGD between January and August 2027.
NewsMeter explained how the two numbers relate. The board currently supplies roughly 560 to 570 MGD, and it is working to bring in an extra 60 MGD from the Godavari, the Krishna and the Osmansagar reservoir. After that addition, NewsMeter reported, a gap of 40 to 50 MGD would remain. That remaining gap could affect about three lakh connections between Patancheru and Narsingi, according to both NewsMeter and Deccan Chronicle, which also said an emergency action plan has been submitted to the government.
Minister's remarks
Deccan Chronicle reported that Prabhakar asked households to reduce consumption by at least 20 per cent, citing a possible rainfall deficit linked to El Nino. NewsMeter said he specifically mentioned vehicle washing and floor cleaning, as well as leaks and overflowing tanks. The News Minute reported that the board is also promoting rainwater harvesting and the use of treated wastewater for construction, industry and gardening.
The News Minute added that Telangana has declared 365 mandals in 31 districts drought-affected for the 2026 kharif season. Over the longer term, Deccan Chronicle and NewsMeter reported, the government is working on the Godavari Phase II and Phase III projects to secure additional drinking water supplies for the city.
Sources
- Hyderabad water board launches PAANI app for citizens to report water wastage (The News Minute, 2026-10-30)
- HMWSSB Launches PAANI App As Hyderabad Faces Possible 50 MGD Water Deficit (Deccan Chronicle, 2026-10-29)
- PAANI: Hyderabad to face water shortage of 40–50 MGD, HMWSSB launches app (NewsMeter, 2026-10-30)
This article was compiled with AI assistance from the reports listed above and reviewed by GMA before publishing.