Hyderabad reservoirs filled to brim, gates of Hussain Sagar, Himayat Sagar lifted to release water

HYDERABAD: As rains continue to lash across Telangana, water levels in Hyderabad's prominent reservoirs have been steadily rising, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of residents.

Hussain Sagar has reached a significant water level. The Full Tank Level (FTL) on Saturday noon stood at 513.41 meters. The Maximum Water Level (MWL) of the lake is 514.75 meters.

Himayath Sagar, also witnessing substantial inflows, registered 3,000 cusecs of water inflow. As of 12 PM on Saturday, water level at Himayath Sagar stood at 1763.50 feet, with an outflow of 2,750 cusecs. As a response to the situation, four gates were opened on Friday up to a height of 2 feet. Two more crest gates were lifted at 1 pm, adding to the outflow of water from the reservoir. The Rajendra Nagar Police have stopped entry into the Outer Ring Road (ORR) service road from Hussain Sagar to Rajendra Nagar. Barricades have been put up on either side of the ORR.

The Osman Sagar too has been experiencing a surge, recording 400 cusecs of water inflow. On Satuday, water level stood at Osman Sagar is 1785.70 feet. As a precautionary measure, there have been no outflows or gate openings yet, as authorities maintain a close watch on the water levels. Officials said that if the water level continued to rise in Osman Sagar, its gates would also be opened to release excess water. Authorities have already alerted people living in areas along Musi River.

Amidst the rising water levels, Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav issued a directive to all departments to maintain a state of high alert in Hyderabad for the next one week. The Minister himself personally inspected the areas surrounding Hussain Sagar lake to assess the situation firsthand. During the inspection, he revealed that 2,000 cusecs of water were being released downstream from Hussain Sagar to mitigate water levels and minimise potential flood risks.

Addressing concerns over illegal constructions along the Nala, the Minister assured residents that appropriate action would be taken soon. He promised that if necessary, compensation would be provided to those affected by the issue.