Visitors throng Himayat Sagar reservoir

With water being released from the reservoir, it became a must-see event for old city dwellers

Hyderabad: With water being released from Himayat Sagar for the second consecutive year, it became a must-see event for old city dwellers. Scores of people gathered at the Himayat Sagar to see the water gushing out from the outlets of the tank built in the early 19th century during the tenure of Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan.

The idea of the two reservoirs was the brainchild of Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, who with the help of eminent engineer M Visvesvaraya planned it to prevent flooding of the city then. The two water bodies — Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar (Gandipet) were constructed in the aftermath of the 1908 floods in Hyderabad. Water from the Himayat Sagar flows down through its original course from Kismatpur village, Rajendranagar, Upparpally before merging with the Musi River at Tipu Khan Bridge.

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The water then flows through the Musi course passing through Attapur, Kishanbagh, Jiyaguda, Puranapul, Nayapul, Gowliguda, Chaderghat, Moosarambagh and Nagole before entering into Nalgonda district. All along the river course, thousands gather to witness the otherwise dull Musi River transforming into a lively river. It is for the second consecutive year that the gates of the Himayat Sagar were opened.

Before 2020, it was in 2010 that the gates were lifted to release floodwater into the river. Last year, due to the heavy rains and flooding of several areas, not many people had gone to have a look at the event. On Tuesday, however, there was a buzz of activity on either side of the river course.

Police on high alert

In view of the heavy inflow into the Himayat Sagar, the Rajendranagar police are on alert with the local patrol mobile vehicles moving in the low-lying areas and warning people. Officials said though the situation was under control, they are prepared to handle any extreme situation.

Officials are advising the residents in the nearby colonies in the vicinity of the reservoir to be alert. A special police picket has also been set up at Himayat Sagar to prevent crowds.

“For now, the situation is under control. We are taking all precautionary steps required to avert any damage,” said K Kanakaiah, Inspector (Rajendranagar), adding that the police have asked residents of low-lying areas close to the reservoir to move to safer places. Police vehicles are on constant patrol of the areas and making announcements.

“Though, as of now there is no immediate need to evacuate the residents, we have advised them to move to safer places. We have also arranged for accommodation facilities in nearby community halls and other venues. A few families have moved out already,” he said.

Also read:

WATCH: One gate of Himayat Sagar opened, two more to be opened soon

Himayat Sagar opened: Memories of flash floods haunt kin of washed away youth

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