Hyderabad is grappling with an escalating flood threat as its crucial twin reservoirs, Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, recorded some of the highest water discharges seen this season. On Friday, their combined outflow reached an alarming 26,000 cusecs, signaling a critical situation.
To manage the overwhelming water levels, authorities opened a significant number of gates: 12 out of 15 gates at Osmansagar were lifted nine feet high, while nine out of 17 gates at Himayatsagar were raised five feet. By 3:30 p.m., the total discharge stood at approximately 15,000 cusecs. However, as heavy rains persisted, inflows remained steady at 8,000 cusecs by 6 p.m., pushing the individual discharges to 10,600 cusecs from Osmansagar and 14,400 cusecs from Himayatsagar. Both reservoirs are precariously close to their full tank capacities, with Osmansagar at 1,789.20 feet against a maximum of 1,790 feet, and Himayatsagar at 1,762.95 feet against 1,763.50 feet.
In response to the relentless intermittent rains, K. Ashok Reddy, Managing Director of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board, has ordered intensified monitoring of the reservoir catchment areas. To ensure adequate staffing during this critical period, all employee leaves have been canceled for the next two days. Furthermore, officials stationed in the Musi river catchment regions have been urged to maintain extreme vigilance. Residents in low-lying areas and along the river banks are strongly advised to exercise caution, as water discharge volumes are expected to increase progressively through the evening.
Due to the ongoing downpour, the State government has opted to postpone the planned inauguration of the Amberpet sewerage treatment plant (STP) by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. This postponement also affects the inauguration of several other smaller STPs located in areas like Attapur, Mullakatwa Cheruvu, Shivalayanagar, Vennelagadda, and Palapitta, as well as the laying of foundation stones for new STP projects.