Hyderabad’s Paradise restaurant fined Rs 20k for misusing drinking water

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the popular Paradise restaurant in Secunderabad for misuse of drinking water. The move comes amid a water crisis due to deficit rainfall amid the El Niño phenomenon. 

Inspections were conducted at Paradise by water board officials from Division-16 (Khairatabad Zone), who discovered that water was being misused. A fine of Rs 20,000 was levied, and the management was advised to use water judiciously and avoid any wastage in the future. Water board officials have warned that strict action will be taken if any instances of water misuse are found.

On October 18, a fine of Rs 20,000 was also imposed on the Forefathers pub in Jubilee Hills for misusing water, and its drinking water connection was disconnected. Water supply through HMWSSB’s commercial tankers was also suspended. 

On October 7, a similar fine was imposed on the Anaganaga restaurant on Road no. 45, Jubilee Hills, for wasting water for non-essential purposes. HMWSSB said that its Managing Director (MD) K Ashok Reddy was passing by when he noticed that the restaurant premises were being cleaned using large quantities of water, resulting in significant wastage.

The water board has asked the public to report any instances of drinking water wastage or misuse. Photos, videos, location and other details of such instances can be sent to HMWSSB on the WhatsApp number 9949930003. Complaints can also be registered by calling the customer care number 155313.

HMWSSB has also announced measures to curb water wastage through water tankers, as demand for tankers has also surged across the city. From November 1, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed on the tanker owners if water wastage is identified. If the same tanker is found violating the regulations for a second time, its registration will be canceled. 

The water board said it has identified that in some water tankers within its jurisdiction, water is being filled beyond capacity, while others lack lids or are not properly closed, leading to water being wasted on roads during transportation.