The city of Hyderabad is currently facing a severe water shortage due to over-construction, pollution, and encroachment. As a result of this, any wastage of potable water is being checked across the city, and anyone wasting water is getting fined. Recently, a few images have been shared online in which a Mercedes Benz G-Wagen owner who was washing his car was fined Rs 10,000 for wasting drinking water.
The images showing the Mercedes Benz G-Wagen getting washed and then fined have been shared on X by Naveena on their page. As per the post, this particular incident took place in front of the Roche Bobois, a high-end furniture showroom on Road Number 12 located in Banjara Hills. In the images, a person can be seen washing a black-colored Mercedes Benz G400d luxury SUV.
What happened was that Water Board MD Ashok Reddy was passing from the road when he saw this G-Wagen being washed in front of this furniture showroom. As a result of this, he immediately stopped and issued a fine of Rs 10,000 to the owner of the car for wasting precious drinking water.
A number of netizens have appreciated the efforts made by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. They have highlighted that with such actions, the city will be able to save potable water from getting wasted. One of the netizens commented, “I am more impressed with the Water Board employee, observing and diligently discharging his duties! This is unheard of.”
Meanwhile, another user commented, “Finally some action! Washing a super-expensive Mercedes with pure drinking water while common people stand in queues for hours… total shamelessness! ₹10,000 is okay for start, but please make it ₹1 lakh next time so these rich people feel the pinch. Big salute to Ashok Reddy sir for catching him on the spot!”
The person added, “And please sir, now go check ALL the big-big societies in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, Kokapet – every day swimming pools are filled and lawns are washed with drinking water there. Catch everyone, fine everyone, no VIP treatment. Save water, save Hyderabad, needs it!”
For those who may not be aware, just like Bengaluru, Hyderabad is also facing a severe water crisis. This is primarily happening due to disappearing water wetlands, increasing pollution, and groundwater depletion. Hyderabad, over the last few years, has grown a lot, and due to this, excess concretisation has taken place, and water percolation has reduced, and water is not reaching groundwater reserves. As a result of this, large parts of the city are facing water shortages and inconsistent supply.
If you are someone who is living in Hyderabad or any other city which is facing a severe water shortage, then there are a few ways you can clean your vehicle without using pipes and potable water. The first solution is to buy waterless wash chemicals.
These chemicals can be sprayed on cars in small quantities, and with the help of a microfiber cloth, the dust and grime can be cleaned off the surface. Additionally, if you want to wash your car with water, then you'll have to find a treated water plant where sewage water, which is treated, can be used.