Overview

• Illegal borewells around Sunnam Cheruvu have been tapped by private tankers to supply groundwater to hostels, hotels and residences in Madhapur.
• Samples collected on June 25 revealed lead levels 7–12 times above the 0.01 mg/L limit, cadmium 2–3 times above 0.003 mg/L and nickel twice the 0.02 mg/L threshold.
• Heavy-metal contamination in drinking water can impair children’s brain development, damage kidneys and contribute to anemia and cardiovascular problems.
• HYDRAA has registered multiple FIRs against water tanker operators and individuals for illegally extracting and distributing the contaminated water.
• Authorities are prioritizing restoration work at Sunnam Cheruvu and rolling out expanded citywide groundwater monitoring to prevent future pollution.