Hyderabad residents can now report water wastage through HMWSSB’s ‘PAANI’ app

Hyderabad District In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar launches the PAANI app at the Jalamandali Head Office, in Hyderabad on Thursday.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has urged households to reduce their water consumption by at least 20% and launched the ‘PAANI’ mobile application to encourage public participation in preventing the wastage and misuse of drinking water, amid concerns over the possible impact of El Nino conditions on water availability.

Through the PAANI app, residents can report instances of drinking water wastage and misuse in their neighbourhoods. Citizens interested in supporting the initiative can register as ‘Save Water Volunteers’ through the Water Board’s website by submitting a government-issued identity document. Once their details are verified, they will be officially recognised as volunteers. The app is available on the Google Play Store.

Every complaint submitted through the app will undergo an SMS-based verification process, followed by field-level inspections by officials. The identity of volunteers lodging complaints would be kept confidential. If water misuse is confirmed, notices will be issued to the individuals or organisations concerned, and penalties imposed in accordance with the rules.

The government will also recognise volunteers who make significant contributions to water conservation. The Chief Minister will personally meet and commend outstanding volunteers, with the Board encouraging participation from residential colonies, apartment complexes and other neighbourhoods, the Board said.

As part of its conservation appeal, the Board has advised residents against using drinking water to wash vehicles and floors. Households have been urged to prevent overhead tanks and sumps from overflowing, repair leaks promptly and install soak pits and rainwater harvesting systems in homes and buildings.

The Board has also stressed the need to reduce dependence on potable water for activities that do not require drinking-quality supplies. Treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants should be used for watering parks and gardens, landscaping, construction and industrial purposes. The HMWSSB has promoted its ‘Dial-a-Green’ tanker services to facilitate the use of treated wastewater for such requirements.