Osmansagar Gates Remain Shut
Osmansagar has received inflows of around 3,000 cusecs, which are insufficient to start gate operations: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) officials
HYDERABAD: After the recent heavy rains, the gates of Himayatsagar have been opened regularly to release excess water. In contrast, the gates of Osmansagar remain shut, prompting questions about why the reservoir is not filling as quickly.
Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) officials said Osmansagar has received inflows of around 3,000 cusecs, which are insufficient to start gate operations. “The total storage capacity of Osmansagar is 3.900 TMC, and as of Thursday afternoon, it stands at 2.937 TMC. Inflows are steady but not excessive,” said D. Sudarshan, director (transmission), HMWS&SB.
The difference, officials explained, lies in rainfall patterns across the catchment areas. Himayatsagar’s catchment covers 1,308 sq. km, including Venkatpur, Sultanpally, Parigi, Shamshabad, and Vikarabad, which have all received heavy rainfall in the past week.
Osmansagar’s catchment, however, is smaller at 738.15 sq. km, covering Bulkapur, Shankarpally, Chandippa, Mominpet, Dhobipet, Chandanagar, and Ananthagiri—areas that have seen comparatively less rain this season.
“We are maintaining the water level and ensuring there is no sudden drop. The slower filling is purely due to variations in rainfall,” said Santhosh Kumar, general manager, HMWS&SB. Officials said inflows to Osmansagar are being closely monitored and the gates will be opened only if required.