Hyderabad needs sustainable urban planning for water issues

Hyderabad is facing serious water issues, starting as early as February each year. The city's groundwater levels are falling, prompting residents to seek solutions. While efforts to revive lakes have provided some hope, experts warn that simply restoring lakes is not enough. A comprehensive approach is needed, combining sustainable urban planning and improvements to water management. Experts highlight the city's rapid urbanization as a major problem. Thirty years ago, around 60% of Hyderabad’s land allowed water to seep in naturally. Today, more than 75% of the land is concretized, reducing the area for water absorption to less than 25%. Researchers point to Bengaluru as an example, where rejuvenating Sarakki Lake raised groundwater levels significantly, but they stress that effective stormwater management is essential. Hyderabad has lost 61% of its lake area since 1979, with around 40 of its lakes completely dried up. To truly address the water crisis, experts recommend implementing strategies such as permeable pavements and rain gardens. These methods can improve groundwater recharge and promote better rainwater management. The "sponge city" model is also gaining attention. It focuses on absorbing, storing, and reusing rainwater, using features like green roofs and bioswales to manage stormwater. Implementing these strategies could enhance the lake rejuvenation efforts and create a sustainable system for water recovery in the city. Another critical solution lies in restoring historic water structures like stepwells and Bowlis. These traditional reservoirs have the potential to store vast amounts of water. Currently, Hyderabad has over 6,000 Bowlis and more than 100 stepwells. While some have been restored, many still await revival. For example, the Bansilal Stepwell can hold 22 lakh litres of water. A 900-year-old stepwell near Shamshabad has a capacity of 30–35 lakh litres. Reviving these structures could significantly contribute to the city’s water storage and help meet the needs of its growing population.