HMWSSB opens Himayat Sagar gates to release 1,000 cusecs of water

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) lifted the floodgates of the Himayat Sagar Reservoir on Sunday evening, June 28, 2026, to release 1,000 cusecs of surplus water. This action was taken for the first time during the current monsoon season following heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas.

The release of surplus water is intended to regulate the water level of the Himayat Sagar Reservoir, which has experienced rising inflows. The HMWSSB stated in a press release that the inflows into the reservoir are being monitored continuously by officials. The volume of water released downstream will be adjusted as needed based on the ongoing inflow rates.

As the gates were opened to let the surplus water flow downstream, HMWSSB Managing Director K Ashok Reddy alerted multiple civic and district agencies to remain on high alert. The alerts were issued to HYDRAA, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the police, and the district administrations of both Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy.

Low-lying areas downstream of the Musi River are expected to be affected by the water release. Consequently, the water board and local administration have warned these downstream areas and urged the respective civic agencies to maintain vigilance to ensure safety.

In addition to managing floodwaters, the HMWSSB continues to supply water from both the Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs to meet the drinking water demands of Hyderabad. The opening of the gates represents a critical step in balancing the city's water supply needs with flood mitigation efforts during periods of heavy rain.

Officials emphasized that they are closely tracking the weather and inflow patterns. Further updates regarding the adjustment of the gate openings will be determined by the HMWSSB as the situation develops.