Hyderabad: Though summer temperatures are soaring across the city, the water kiosks usually set up by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) are conspicuously absent this year. Despite taking up this initiative every year, the board has not set up a single kiosk so far.
By this time, last year, the water board had planned and begun installing 101 kiosks across the city. These water counters were a common sight near high-footfall areas such as bus stops, railway stations and major junctions, offering a much-needed respite to the public. This year, no new kiosks are opened and several existing kiosks from previous years remain unused. The unit installed in front of GVK Mall, for instance, is still padlocked.
“Last year, we saw HMWSSB install kiosks in busy spots like bus stops and crowded junctions. They helped people during the peak heat. But this year, I haven’t seen even one. Only a few NGOs have put out water pots,” said S. Imran, a city resident. Sai Teja, a resident of Kukatpally, echoed similar concerns. When contacted, the HMWS&SB officials said the initiative was still in the planning phase. “We are currently identifying key locations, particularly high-traffic areas like bus stops, railway stations and Rythu Bazaars. Our goal is to install 100 kiosks across the city in the coming days,” an official said.
