Hyd’s water divide: Old City thrives, while west runs dry

Hyderabad: While the city’s western corridor continues to dominate in infrastructure and real estate growth, the Old City has quietly emerged as the city’s groundwater stronghold.

According to recent groundwater data, several localities in the heart of Old City continue to report strong groundwater availability. Bahadurpura recorded water levels at just 2.1 metres below ground level by the end of April, while Golconda and Shaikpet reported similar levels at around 2.2 metres. Areas such as Asifnagar and Balapur too maintained relatively healthy groundwater reserves.

In contrast, the city’s rapidly urbanised western belt — Kukatpally, Quthbullapur, Patancheru and Serilingampally — is witnessing severe groundwater depletion, with water available only at depths ranging from 15 to 30 metres in several areas.

Experts attribute the Old City’s groundwater advantage to the presence of major water bodies such as the Musi river and Mir Alam Tank, which continue to aid aquifer recharge through seasonal inflows and percolation.

“The Old City still has better groundwater recharge because of its proximity to water bodies and comparatively lower urban concretisation,” said B Venkateswara Rao, retired professor at the Centre for Water Resources, JNTU Hyderabad.

Urban planners also point to differences in development patterns. Unlike the western corridor, which has seen an explosion of gated communities, commercial hubs and high-rise apartments, large parts of the Old City continue to have independent houses and low-rise structures, allowing rainwater to seep naturally into the ground.

However, experts warned that groundwater quality remains a serious concern in several Old City pockets. “Since these areas lie downstream of the Musi, industrial discharge into the river has affected groundwater quality. Elevated Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels are a major concern,” Venkateshwara Rao added.

The imbalance is also visible in water tanker demand. Data from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) showed that the Charminar division, including Bahadurpura, accounts for only 1% to 2% of the city’s tanker bookings. In comparison, the Durgam Cheruvu division in the IT corridor contributes nearly 20% of total tanker demand.

Officials said several Old City areas continue to receive stable water supply through pipelines connected to Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs, reducing dependence on private tankers except during temporary repair-related disruptions.