The Government of the former State of Hyderabad undertook a scheme to protect Hyderabad from devastating floods, like the one of 1908. At that time there was no democratically elected government, yet the problem was tackled on a war-footing. The services of Sir M. Visvesvaraya of Mysore were requisitioned, who suggested construction of two water reservoirs; one on the river ‘Musi’ and the other on its tributary ‘Isa.’ Nizam the VI, accepted the proposal and sanctioned an amount of Rs. 1,28,00,000/- for the project in March 1910. 

At around the same time, water supply to the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad was not satisfactory; since the only source of water supply was the Husain Sagar Lake and the Mir Alam Tank, which could serve around two lakh people, whereas the population had exceeded five lakhs by 1910. The Government moved swiftly to provide adequate water to the people. Nizam the VII passed an order to link the water supply scheme to Osman Sagar project and to regard Osman Sagar as the main source of supply of protected water. The work commenced on 15th July 1916 and was completed on 8th May 1921, at a cost Rs. 90,00,000/-. The colossal water reservoir, Osman Sagar, popularly known as Gandipet stands even today is all its splendour. A magnificent tribute indeed to the Nizam and his Governance. 

Month: December 2010.

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