Hyderabad: The city of Hyderabad has been put on high alert as its two crucial drinking water reservoirs, Osmansagar and Himayathsagar, rapidly neared their full capacities due to heavy monsoon inflows, prompting authorities to initiate controlled releases of water. Four gates of Osmansagar  and one gate of Himayathsagar reservoirs were opened because of heavy inflows. Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board(HMWSSB) to activate flood response protocols and alert communities along the Musi River to prevent potential damage to life and property.

Reservoirs at critical levels

As of 7:00 AM t on 28 August, 2025, the water levels at both reservoirs were alarmingly close to their Full Tank Levels (FTL), necessitating proactive measures to manage the inflow.

 In Osmansagar reservoir, the water level reached 1789.95 feet, a mere 0.05 feet below its FTL of 1790.00 feet. The reservoir is receiving a significant inflow of 1,700 cusecs. In response, authorities have opened four gates to a height of three feet, releasing an outflow of 1,352 cusecs. Its current storage is 3.888 TMC against a total capacity of 3.900 TMC.

in Himayathsagar reservoir, the water level stood at 1763.10 feet, just 0.40 feet below its FTL of 1763.50 feet. With an inflow of 1,200 cusecs, one gate has been opened to a one-foot height, releasing 348 cusecs. The current storage is 2.818 TMC against a total capacity of 2.970 TMC.

Flood preparedness

The HMWSSB has alerted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), disaster response teams, and local authorities. They need to use Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing floods.

HMWSSB suggests several key measures. They include alerting communities downstream along the Musi River.  And take all necessary precautions to protect life and property. Further, it is suggested to remain on high alert and monitor communications for further updates. Monitoring realtime weather updates and reservoir inflows is crucial too. Lastly, the flood alert notice is issued to ensure timely preparedness for a potential gate opening.