In a strict move to curb water wastage, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) imposed a hefty fine of ₹10,000 on an individual for wasting drinking water. The action was taken after authorities found potable water being diverted for non-essential commercial purposes. The incident took place at the Orange Tree Furniture showroom located on Road Number 12 in the premium Banjara Hills neighborhood, where an individual was caught using treated drinking water to wash the commercial store’s front courtyard.
The violation was spotted directly during field inspections by Jalamandali Managing Director Ashok Reddy, who caught the individual wasting the precious resource and ordered the immediate spot fine of ₹10,000. Following the incident, senior HMWSSB officials issued a stern warning to the citizens of Hyderabad regarding the misuse of water. They emphasized that treated municipal water is strictly meant for drinking and essential domestic consumption, and must not be exploited for secondary tasks that lead to depletion.
The water board explicitly stated that using drinking water to wash public roads, house fronts, commercial corridors, or personal vehicles is a punishable offense under municipal rules. Officials urged residents to become active stakeholders in water conservation and to report instances of illegal water wastage in their respective neighborhoods. Jalamandali warned that intense inspections will continue across the IT corridor and residential blocks, and strict penalties will be continuously enforced against anyone violating the conservation guidelines.
