BPL families at Alwal Banda Basthi protest over end of free water scheme

Hyderabad: Residents of Old Alwal Banda Basthi, home to around 300-400 low-income families, wrote to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) on Monday as they struggle with high water bills after the free water scheme was withdrawn. These families benefited from the scheme, introduced by the former chief minister, for past three years. However, they are now being billed for the entire period of last years, with outstanding dues reaching up to Rs 20,000. These families belong to below the poverty line.
"For three years, we depended on free water to survive. Now, we are being forced to pay huge bills, even though we barely earn enough to feed our families," said M Arun Kumar, a local resident and a social activist who submitted a representation to HMWSSB requesting the reinstatement of free water.
The rocky terrain of the area makes borewells unviable, leaving residents completely dependent on piped water supply.
Many families, already struggling to afford essentials like food and shelter, find it impossible to clear the arrears. "My bill is around 17000. It's a big amount for me. I am a trolley driver with a wife and kids. Why offer the scheme in the first place when you cannot continue it," said Pikshapati, a resident of the area.
"My husband is a daily wage labourer, and I work as a domestic help. We barely manage to make ends meet. How can we afford to pay Rs 20,000 in water bills?" asked Shanti, a resident. "We never asked for free electricity or gas, but water is a basic necessity. Without it, how do we survive?"
The local MLA, in response to the residents' concerns, has assured them that they must clear their pending bills but has urged them to start paying regularly from January onwards. However, this has done little to alleviate the distress of those who are already drowning in debt.
"We are ready to pay from January. But what about the past dues? If we don't clear them, will our water supply be cut off?" said Padma Rao, an auto driver and another resident.
Meanwhile, HMWSSB said that they cannot make exceptions for just one area in the city. "Even we cannot afford to give water for free. Yes, the scheme was in place but after the new govt came to power it was removed," said an official from HMWSSB.