Behind-the-scenes coordination between the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) and the fire department ensured uninterrupted water supply during Sunday’s fire tragedy near Gulzar Houz
Hyderabad:Behind-the-scenes coordination between the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) and the fire department ensured uninterrupted water supply during Sunday’s fire tragedy near Gulzar Houz. Though fire engines managed the blaze with existing water, backup tankers from the water board were on standby throughout the operation.
In the event of a fire emergency, once alerted, the fire department immediately informs HMWS&SB’s head office or the area general manager. The water board then notifies nearby filling stations to prepare tankers for deployment. Though these stations usually operate between 9 am and 6 pm, they are open around the clock during emergencies.
During Sunday’s blaze, the fire department alerted the water board early in the morning. “We were alerted early by the fire department and immediately contacted our Moghalpura and Balashetty Khet filling stations,” said R. Krishna, general manager, HMWS&SB. “Both were opened immediately and tankers were filled and kept on standby. Around 8 am, we sent two tankers to the spot.”
Fire engines are typically filled with water drawn from borewells located at fire stations. In large-scale emergencies, or when nearby stations are far or engine water is insufficient, the fire department relies on water board tankers. These are filled at the nearest HMWS&SB stations to minimise delays.
“A total of 11 fire engines were rushed to the spot. As the nearby fire station was far away, we filled the water from the Shamshergunj filling station to avoid delays,” said fire officer M.K. Baig. “Only two engines were ultimately used to bring the flames under control. However, anticipating a worst-case scenario, the water board was alerted in advance.”
Saleem S., a water tanker driver from HMWS&SB, said, “It took me around 15 minutes to get to Gulzar Houz due to traffic. We took two tankers with us for standby, but it was manageable with the available water with the fire department. Still, it’s important to be there just in case.” Nazeer Ahmmed, manager of the Balashetty Khet filling station, said, “As soon as I received a call from our general manager, I immediately opened the filling station and made all the arrangements and sent two water tankers immediately to the spot.”
This seamless coordination ensured that water availability did not delay firefighting efforts in the narrow lanes of the Old City. Sunday’s incident highlighted the strength of an emergency response system built on swift inter-departmental cooperation.
