Osman Sagar

Osman Sagar, also known as Gandipet Lake, is a large artificial reservoir located about 20 kilometers from Hyderabad in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. It was created in 1920 by damming the Musi River to address two critical needs for the growing city: providing a reliable source of drinking water and protecting Hyderabad from floods like the devastating Great Musi Flood of 1908.

Named after the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the reservoir covers around 46 square kilometers and has a capacity of approximately 3.9 TMC (thousand million cubic feet). The lake’s dam was designed by the renowned engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose plans helped control floodwaters and supply water during dry periods effectively. Osman Sagar was a primary water source for Hyderabad for many decades, although the city's expansion has since made its capacity insufficient to meet all demand.

The lake and its surroundings, including the heritage building Sagar Mahal built by the Nizam as a summer resort, have become a popular recreational spot offering parks, boating, gardens, and scenic views. Osman Sagar remains an essential part of Hyderabad’s ecology and history, valued for its flood control, water supply, and as a peaceful natural retreat amidst urban growth.

However, it faces challenges such as encroachment and environmental threats requiring ongoing conservation efforts.