Telangana advances water and power measures to ease borewell strain

In Hyderabad’s Prakash Nagar, homeowner Vinod Sri Bhashyam installed four extra rainwater‑recharge pits beyond the statutory requirement. The system channels rooftop runoff into the pits, helping the borewell continue to supply water throughout the summer. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) highlighted the project as a model for urban groundwater recharge and urged other residents and building owners to adopt similar voluntary measures.

Meanwhile, the Telangana state government is evaluating a shift of agricultural electricity supply from pre‑dawn to daytime hours. With roughly 2.8 million farm borewells drawing power during early‑morning peaks, the grid faces a 3,000‑MW deficit that must be met by costly thermal generation or external purchases. The state’s abundant daytime solar generation could instead meet farm‑pump demand, reducing the deficit and easing pressure on the power grid. The expert committee recommends rescheduling farm‑power schedules to align with solar supply and mitigate the growing strain on groundwater resources.