Hyderabad: The threat of sewage contaminating Gandipet reservoir, also known as Osman Sagar, has been averted for now. The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has stepped in with emergency action at Balkapur nala, the channel through which waste from Khannapur and Nagulapalli was flowing toward Gandipet.
New shutter gates have been installed at a cost of ₹2 lakh, replacing the rusted, broken ones that had long failed to block inflows during floods. Media reports highlighting untreated sewage entering the reservoir triggered the response. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, along with field officers, inspected the site and ordered immediate repairs.
The dilapidated shutters have now been replaced. Some of the debris clogging the nala has also been cleared to allow water to move downstream without overflowing into Gandipet.
The Balkapur nala, originally a stormwater drain, has over time turned into a sewage channel. Wastewater from homes, resorts, and commercial buildings especially in high-elevation areas flows through it. Originating at Balkapur lake in Shankarpalli, the nala carries rainwater from Khannapur, Kokapet, Narsingi, Puppalaguda, Manikonda, Dargah, Shaikpet, Tolichowki, Pochamma basti, and Chintalabasti, all the way to Hussainsagar.
Locals say restoring this nala could yield long-term benefits. It’s the only continuous drain connecting flood zones upstream to Hussainsagar. HYDRAA appears to have finally turned its focus to a full-scale revival.
బుల్కాపూర్ నాలాకు “హైడ్రా” గేట్లు
గండిపేటకు తప్పిన మురుగు ముప్పుజంటనగరాలకు తాగు నీరు అందించే గండిపేట(ఉస్మాన్సాగర్)కు మురుగు ముప్పు తప్పింది. ఖానాపూర్, నాగులపల్లి నుంచి వచ్చిన మురుగు నీరు బుల్కాపూర్ నాలా ద్వరా గండిపేటలోకి వెళ్లకుండా హైడ్రా చర్యలు తీసుకుంది. రూ.… pic.twitter.com/1AezD8Ckw6
— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) May 15, 2025