Hyderabad civil society seeks probe, compensation after Himayat Sagar flood release
HYDERABAD: Civil society groups in Hyderabad have written to the district administration demanding immediate compensation, accountability, and reforms after the sudden release of water from Himayat Sagar reservoir on September 26 flooded several neighbourhoods, affecting over 6,000 families.
In a memorandum addressed to Hyderabad district collector Harichandana Dasari and marked to senior state officials, the organisations said floodwaters released around 21.00 IST on September 26 inundated localities including Moosa Nagar, Rasoolpura, Kishan Bagh, Jiyaguda, Attapur, Langar Houz, and Purana Pul.
‘Grave lapse in flood management’
The signatories alleged that the release of multiple gates without prior warning amounted to “a grave lapse of governance.” They questioned whether standard operating procedures and scientific inflow forecasts had been followed.
They said the lack of inter-agency coordination between Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Hyderabad Road and River Authority (HYDRAA), and the Disaster Management Department left residents unprepared.
“No timely alerts were issued. Families were caught off guard in the night and forced to flee through waist-deep waters,” the letter stated.
Human toll and continuing losses
The groups highlighted that domestic workers, hawkers, vendors, gig workers, autorickshaw drivers, and garbage collectors had lost homes, vehicles, and livelihood tools. Electrical appliances, food stocks, and household goods were destroyed. Livestock too was washed away.
They also noted severe trauma among women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities. “Many are still displaced, living in unhygienic conditions without necessities,” they said.
The appeal also linked the flooding to recent drainage-related deaths, including that of a five-year-old girl in Yakutpura and five young men in separate incidents.
Demands for accountability
Civil society groups urged:
An independent inquiry into the water release decision-making process, with public disclosure of inflow data and release schedules.
Disciplinary action against negligent officials.
Household-level damage assessment with receipts issued to affected families.
Adequate compensation for homes, goods, vehicles, and livelihoods without insisting on documents.
A comprehensive audit of Hyderabad’s disaster preparedness and drainage systems.
Active involvement of community representatives in disaster risk reduction.
Quoting the National Disaster Management Guidelines on community-based risk reduction, they said, “Structures need to work together along with the community which is at the heart of decision-making.”
Call for government response
The signatories urged the Telangana government to issue a public statement with data on why and how the release was ordered. “Transparency is essential to restore trust,” the letter said.
The appeal was signed by 40 groups and individuals including Human Rights Forum, Telangana Vidyavantula Vedika, Rythu Swarajya Vedika, Fridays for Future, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, Dalit Bahujan Front, Hyderabad Slum People’s Federation, and several independent activists.
“It is the responsibility of the administration to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Relief, accountability, and compensation are essential to restore dignity and public faith,” they said.