Heavy rains in Hyderabad have led to the opening of nine gates of the Himayat Sagar reservoir, prompting officials to issue a flood warning on Thursday, August 14. According to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), the water level had reached 1,762.95 feet against the full tank level of 1,763.50 feet due to inflows of 27,000 cusecs. In response, three gates were lifted to a height of four feet, and six gates were raised three feet, discharging 10,000 cusecs of water into the Musi River. The release, which was earlier at 7,926 cusecs, was increased to 9,900 cusecs after 11:00 am to manage the rising levels caused by continuous rainfall.

The discharge from Himayat Sagar is expected to swell the Musi River, raising flood risks in several low-lying areas including Chaderghat, Moosarambagh, Attapur, Jiyaguda, Bahadurpura, Rajendranagar, Bandlaguda Jagir, Narsingi, Phoolbagh, and Nagole. The flooding has already impacted certain sections of the Outer Ring Road (ORR), especially near Exit 17. HMWSSB and GHMC have urged residents to avoid venturing near riverbanks, follow official advisories, and stay alert for possible traffic diversions in flood-prone regions. Emergency response teams have been stationed in vulnerable zones to respond to any crisis.

Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, both constructed in the aftermath of the devastating 1908 Musi floods, have long been key to Hyderabad’s flood control system. However, experts note that urbanisation, encroachment, and silt deposits have reduced their storage capacity, necessitating earlier and larger discharges during heavy rainfall events. Osman Sagar, another major reservoir, currently holds 2.885 TMC at a level of 1,785.30 feet against its full tank capacity of 1,790 feet, with inflows of 3,000 cusecs. The situation remains under close observation as authorities prepare for further rainfall in the coming days.