Hyderabad Under Watch: Twin Reservoirs Open Gates as Rains Intensify, Musi River Swells

Hyderabad is bracing for a significant flood alert as heavy, intermittent rains continue to lash the city, leading authorities to open the gates of its crucial twin reservoirs, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar. This preemptive measure, driven by high inflows and rising water levels, has caused the Musi River to swell, putting several low-lying areas on high alert and prompting urgent warnings across the metropolis.

The situation escalated at Himayat Sagar, where officials initially lifted eight of its 17 gates by two feet, releasing a substantial 6,850 cusecs of water into the Musi.

As the relentless downpour persisted and inflows continued to surge, an additional four gates were opened, bringing the total to twelve gates discharging a formidable 11,850 cusecs. The reservoir's water level has been hovering precariously close to its Full Tank Level (FTL) of 1763.50 feet, necessitating these crucial releases to ensure the dam's structural integrity and prevent an uncontrolled overflow.

Adding to the city's anxieties, Osman Sagar, the other vital reservoir, also saw its gates opened to manage the escalating water levels.

With its FTL at 1790 feet, both reservoirs are under intense scrutiny, and their sustained releases are drastically increasing the volume of water in the Musi River, which flows through the heart of Hyderabad.

Residents in low-lying areas along the Musi River are being urged to exercise extreme caution and, if necessary, prepare for evacuation.

Specific localities identified as vulnerable include Chaderghat, Moosarambagh, Malakpet, Puranapul, areas downstream of the I.S. Sadan bridge, Bapu Ghat, Kismatpur, Bandlaguda, Attapur, and Shankarapally. These regions are directly in the path of the increased river flow and are susceptible to inundation.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Irrigation, Revenue, and Police departments, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams, have been mobilized and placed on high alert.

Comprehensive monitoring is underway, with senior officials, including Minister K. T. Rama Rao, closely overseeing the flood management efforts and coordinating relief measures.

The public has been sternly advised to avoid venturing near the banks of the Musi River and to stay updated with official advisories.

With weather forecasts predicting continued heavy rainfall, the city remains vigilant, preparing for further challenges as Hyderabad grapples with the intense monsoon conditions and the critical task of managing its vital water reservoirs.