11 Gates of Himayatsagar Opened After Heavy Rains
The decision to increase releases was taken earlier in the day as inflows rose to 20,000 cusecs by noon
Hyderabad: In a rare occurrence after five years, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) opened as many as 11 gates of Himayatsagar reservoir on Thursday to manage heavy inflows caused by rains in the catchment areas. Such a number of gates has been opened only once, five years ago. According to sources from the water board, of the reservoir’s 17 gates, the opening of 13 gates is the highest number to date, while 11 gates were last opened in 2020.
As of 8 pm on Thursday, nine gates were open at a height of four feet, releasing 11,733 cusecs of water into the Musi River. The decision to increase releases was taken earlier in the day as inflows rose to 20,000 cusecs by noon.
Reservoir data shows that at 7.30 am, only four gates were open at three feet, releasing 5,944 cusecs. By 8 am, the number increased to eight gates, and nine gates were opened at 11 am, with outflows touching 10,000 cusecs. At 3 pm, 11 gates were opened for four feet, before being slightly reduced to 10 gates at 4 pm and later to nine gates in the evening.
Osmansagar, meanwhile, recorded a steady rise in water levels through the day, with inflows ranging from 4,500 cusecs in the morning to 2,500 cusecs by night, but without any gate operations.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, HMWS&SB director (transmission) D. Sudarshan said, “We are monitoring the reservoir levels on an hourly basis. If the levels go up, more gates will be opened to ensure the safety of the structure and regulated releases downstream.” Authorities have issued a flood warning, advising people living in low-lying areas along the Musi to remain cautious.