Encroachments, debris slash Musi river capacity in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Musi river, once able to handle a flow of 2.5 lakh cusecs, has shrunk to just 35,000 cusecs due to encroachments and construction debris, according to the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL).

Musi’s flood capacity falls sharply from historic levels

During a field inspection on Saturday, officials said an additional inflow of 20,000 cusecs would have pushed floodwaters onto adjoining roads. They studied the river’s boundaries and flow near MGBS metro station and found multiple obstructions reducing capacity.

Earlier, the Imblibun stretch could handle up to 70,000 cusecs. Now, its capacity has dropped to about 45,000 cusecs. “Debris dumping and unauthorised structures have constricted the riverbed,” officials said.

Between Imblibun and Chaderghat, debris-filled banks have been converted into building sites. At Chaderghat’s Chota bridge, waste dumped into the channel pushed floodwaters into nearby colonies. In Narsingi, water entered a construction firm’s premises after reaching the Outer Ring Road.

Encroachments continue downstream, leading to flooding near MGBS and several unauthorised colonies. Officials said the issue requires urgent clearance drives to restore Musi’s natural flow.