The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has implemented a new directive requiring all air conditioning units in its offices to be turned off after 5 PM. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to decrease both water and electricity consumption within the organisation. Each office is expected to achieve a minimum reduction of 20 per cent in resource usage compared to previous levels.

K. Ashok Reddy, the Managing Director of the board, emphasised the importance of leading by example. He stated that the conservation efforts should commence within the organisation before officials encourage the public to adopt similar practices. Reddy highlighted the necessity for office operations to reflect the advice given to residents regarding resource conservation.

Reddy further noted that the anticipated El Niño conditions have heightened the urgency for water conservation measures. He expressed a commitment to safeguarding water resources and fostering a public movement towards conservation. The board’s offices are expected to set a precedent for responsible resource management.

Specific Measures for Energy and Water Conservation

Under the new guidelines, all air conditioning units must be maintained at a temperature of 25°C and must be switched off after 5 PM, with exceptions only for essential maintenance work that requires prior approval from senior officials. This restriction is aimed at curtailing unnecessary electricity consumption.

Additionally, offices are instructed to collect water that is discharged from air conditioning units, which is typically wasted. This water should be repurposed for gardening, cleaning, and other non-potable uses, thereby integrating water reuse into the overall conservation strategy alongside electricity savings.

Officials are tasked with inspecting buildings, toilets, pipelines, taps, and storage tanks for any leaks. Immediate repairs are mandated for any leaks discovered, and those responsible for these areas must closely monitor them to prevent wastage. The board has reported that these measures are crucial to achieving the targeted reductions in resource consumption.

Accountability and Recognition for Conservation Efforts

The new electricity conservation guidelines extend beyond air conditioning, requiring that lights, fans, computers, and other equipment be switched off when not in use. Special attention is to be given to power wastage after office hours. Reddy stated that every employee should consider electricity conservation as a personal responsibility.

Each office is expected to conduct regular reviews of its water and electricity consumption, comparing current figures with past usage to work towards the mandated 20 per cent reduction. Heads of offices will bear the responsibility for ensuring compliance with these directives.

Reddy has warned that negligence in preventing resource wastage will be taken seriously, with no tolerance for lax implementation. He stressed that conservation should be evident in daily operations rather than merely a public relations exercise. To encourage a culture of conservation, the board plans to recognise offices that successfully implement these measures and meet the savings targets, with appreciation certificates awarded monthly to high-performing officers and employees. Reddy called for a spirit of healthy competition, urging each office to serve as a model for others in the organisation.

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