Hyderabad on high alert as Twin reservoirs near full capacity
Hyderabad: The city of Hyderabad has been put on high alert as its two crucial drinking water reservoirs, Osmansagar and Himayathsagar, rapidly neared their full capacities due to heavy inflows, prompting authorities to initiate controlled releases of water.Four gates of each, Osmansagar and Himayathsagar reservoirs were opened because of heavy inflows. Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board(HMWSSB) to activate flood response protocols and alert communities along the Musi River to prevent potential damage to life and property.
As of 9:00 AM on 12 September 2025, the water levels of Osmansagar reservoirs were alarmingly close to their Full Tank Levels (FTL), necessitating proactive measures to manage the inflow.
In Osmansagar, the water level reached 1789.50 feet, a mere 0.50 feet below its FTL of 1790.00 feet. The reservoir is receiving a significant inflow of 2300 cusecs. In response, authorities have opened six gates to a height of three feet, releasing an outflow of 2,028 cusecs. Its current storage is 3.785 TMC against a total capacity of 3.900 TMC.
In Himayathsagar, the water level stood at 1762.20 feet, just 1.3 feet below its FTL of 1763.50 feet. With an inflow of 5,500 cusecs, four gates have been opened to a four-feet height, releasing 348 cusecs. The current storage is 2.640 TMC against a total capacity of 2.970 TMC.
“Due to rainfall and the forecast within the Osmansagar catchment area, 6 gates will be raised from 3 feet to 4 feet in height, and the outflow will be 2600 cusecs at 10 am,” said the statement released by Osmansagar officials.
Flood Preparedness
The HMWSSB has alerted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), disaster response teams, and local authorities. They need to use Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing floods.
HMWSSB suggests several key measures. They include alerting communities downstream along the Musi River. And take all necessary precautions to protect life and property. Further, it is suggested to remain on high alert and monitor communications for further updates. Monitoring real-time weather updates and reservoir inflows is crucial too. Lastly, the flood alert notice is issued to ensure timely preparedness for a potential gate opening.
