Godavari water for Hyderabad: Why Kondapochamma Sagar is the optimal choice

The Congress government’s choice of Mallanna Sagar over Kondapochamma Sagar for Hyderabad’s water supply has triggered debate. Critics argue that Kondapochamma’s proximity and elevation make it cheaper and more practical, while Mallanna Sagar’s higher costs raise concerns about long-term feasibility

Hyderabad: The Revanth Reddy-led Congress government’s decision to source Godavari waters from Mallanna Sagar for Hyderabad’s drinking water needs, bypassing the earlier plan to use Kondapochamma Sagar, has sparked debate over cost efficiency and project feasibility.

The shift to Mallanna Sagar, with its 50 TMC storage capacity, over Kondapochamma Sagar’s 15 TMC, has raised concerns about increased costs and logistical challenges.

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Kondapochamma Sagar, located in Markook mandal, Siddipet district, is about 50 km from Hyderabad, closer than Mallanna Sagar, which is over 80 km away in Siddipet district. This proximity reduces pipeline lengths, lowering construction and maintenance costs for water transfer.

Kondapochamma Sagar’s elevation of 612 metres above sea level, compared to Hyderabad’s 535 metres, enables gravity-based water flow, eliminating the need for pumping stations. This could reduce operational costs, making Kondapochamma Sagar a more economical choice.

Under the previous BRS government led by K Chandrashekhar Rao, the plan was to transfer 10 TMC of water from Kondapochamma Sagar to a proposed Keshavapuram reservoir for Hyderabad’s drinking water needs, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,100 crore. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared, confirming the feasibility.

However, the Congress government’s decision in November 2024 to cancel the Keshavapuram reservoir and opt for Mallanna Sagar has led to a cost escalation to Rs 7,390 crore. This seven-fold increase is attributed to expanded infrastructure, inflation, and the adoption of a hybrid annuity model (40% government funding and 60% contractor funding).

Critics argue that adhering to the Kondapochamma Sagar plan could have avoided such cost overruns, freeing up funds for other sectors. Irrigation experts note that the BRS government’s plans faced delays due to land acquisition challenges for the Keshavapuram reservoir, which could be resolved through negotiations or alternative sites near Kondapochamma Sagar.

In contrast, the Mallanna Sagar plan requires longer pipelines and additional pumping infrastructure due to the greater distance and elevation challenges, increasing both capital and operational costs. Kondapochamma Sagar’s proximity and elevation advantage make it a simpler option, potentially enabling faster project completion.

While Mallanna Sagar’s 50 TMC storage capacity exceeds Kondapochamma Sagar’s 15 TMC and could meet Hyderabad’s projected water demand of 170 MGD (million gallons per day) by 2030, its advantages are offset by the much higher costs. The choice of Kondapochamma Sagar could offer a more cost-effective and efficient solution for Hyderabad’s drinking water needs.