Musi River

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has taken decisive action against the illegal encroachments along the Musi River bed, a critical step in safeguarding the river and surrounding ecosystems from further degradation.

About Musi River:

The Musi River, a major tributary of the Krishna River, flows through Telangana, specifically cutting through the city of Hyderabad. It plays a significant role in the region’s hydrology, agriculture, and urban water supply.

1. Source and Course:

   • Source: The river originates in the Anantagiri Hills in Vikarabad district, Telangana.

   • It is formed by the confluence of two small rivulets: Esi (8 km) and Musa (13 km).

   • The river flows in an eastward direction, passing through Hyderabad, where it historically marked the divide between the Old City and New City.

   • It eventually travels through parts of the Rangareddy and Nalgonda districts, continuing its course until it joins the Krishna River near Wazirabad in Nalgonda.

   Length:

   • The Musi River spans approximately 240 kilometers in total length.

   Dams and Irrigation:

   • Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar are the two major dams constructed on the river, providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes, especially for Hyderabad and its surrounding areas.

   • The river also has 24 diversion weirs (locally known as kathwas), which help with irrigation, though the quality of water is heavily polluted due to waste from urban areas.

   Pollution and Encroachments:

   • The river has suffered from severe pollution due to industrial waste, sewage, and illegal encroachments. This pollution affects the irrigation and drinking water supplied to villages downstream, as the river is highly contaminated.

   • The illegal encroachments into the river bed have exacerbated the issue, leading to reduced water flow and damaging the river's natural ecosystem.

HYDRAA’s Action Against Encroachments:

• The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has recently taken strong measures to combat illegal encroachments along the Musi River bed. These encroachments are not just illegal constructions but also contribute to the worsening of pollution and disrupt the natural flow of the river.

• By cracking down on these activities, HYDRAA aims to restore the river's course and protect its ecosystem, ensuring that the river can continue to serve the people of Hyderabad and surrounding areas.

Importance of Protecting the Musi River:

1. Environmental Impact:

   • Protecting the Musi River is critical for preserving the local ecosystem. The river provides vital habitats for aquatic life and sustains a variety of plant and animal species.

   • The contamination from illegal encroachments and industrial waste harms these ecosystems, as well as water quality for the population.

   Urban Impact:

   • The Musi River plays an essential role in urban planning and water management in Hyderabad, providing both irrigation and drinking water.

   • Pollution not only compromises water quality but also poses long-term public health risks.

   Flood Management:

   • The river also serves as an important natural flood control mechanism. Encroachments that obstruct the river bed could exacerbate flooding risks during heavy rains or monsoon seasons, leading to damage to property and displacement of residents.

   • By removing encroachments, HYDRAA is also contributing to flood mitigation and better management of stormwater.

   Restoring Heritage:

   • The Musi River holds historical and cultural significance for Hyderabad. It has historically divided the Old City from the New City, and restoring the river's natural flow will help preserve the city's heritage.