Hyderabad, Aug. 7 -- Considering the persistent rain in the catchment areas and a prediction of additional downpour, one gate of Himayat Sagar Reservoir was opened at 10:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, to release water downstream.

As part of the safety protocol, sirens were sounded near the reservoir before the gates were opened to alert people in low-lying areas surrounding it.

The reservoir is drawing 1,000 cusecs of inflow and discharging 339 cusecs. The water level now is 1762.70 feet, a mere inch below the full tank level of 1763.50 feet. Storage is at 2.734 TMC compared to the capacity of the reservoir at 2.970 TMC.

Only one out of 17 gates has been opened so far as a precautionary measure.

The Hyderabad district administration and...