Hyderabad is bracing for a significant rise in the Musi River’s water level as authorities opened four floodgates of the Himayat Sagar reservoir following persistent rainfall. On Friday, August 8, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) decided to open a fourth gate out of the 17 gates to release excess water, after the water level rose to 1763.15 feet—just shy of the reservoir’s full tank level of 1763.5 feet. The reservoir is currently witnessing an inflow of 1500 cusecs, while the outflow stands at 1391 cusecs. With water being discharged at one-foot height from each of the four open gates, the Musi River is expected to experience an immediate increase in flow, raising alerts across the city, especially in vulnerable low-lying areas.
This precautionary move comes in light of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast predicting continued heavy rains in and around Hyderabad in the coming days. Given the potential risk of urban flooding and the threat to areas situated along the banks of the Musi River, municipal authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The possibility of opening additional floodgates is under active consideration, depending on further rainfall and water inflow trends. While no official evacuation notice has been issued yet, residents living near the river are advised to remain alert and prepared as water levels are expected to rise further.
The Himayat Sagar and its twin, Osman Sagar, serve as crucial rain-fed reservoirs that regulate the water flow into the Musi River and prevent flooding in Hyderabad. However, continuous rains have led to rapid increases in water levels this monsoon season, compelling HMWSSB to take proactive action. Authorities assure that flood control teams are on standby, and all updates regarding water levels and safety measures will be communicated regularly. Citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks and to follow alerts issued by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and disaster management teams.
