GHMC halts construction permits within 50 meters of Musi river
Hyderabad:
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) halts new permissions to any constructions or developmental works near Musi river. State government focused on revitalization of Musi river through the Musi Riverfront Development Project (MRDP). For this reason GHMC halts permissions near 50 meters of Musi River.
Planning details
The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) has outlined revival plans a 55 km stretch. Which is from Osmansagar dam downstream to Outer Ring Road (ORR) East near Gouravelli. And from Himayatsagar downstream to the confluence point at Bapughat.
Plan includes an East-West road corridor along the river, 39 sewage treatment plants etc. on both sides of river. The project aims to develop various aspects of the Old City, including pedestrian zones, plazas, heritage areas, cycling paths, green spaces, hawker zones, bridges, recreational spots, tourist attractions, sports facilities, parking lots, commercial spaces, retail areas, and hospitality infrastructure.
Additionally, plan is to focus on transforming Musi and it’s surroundings into eco-friendly zone. Preservation of Heritage sites is also main objective of this initiative.
MRDCL issues orders
GHMC officials have received orders from MRDCL to halt permissions to any new constructions near Musi river. This directive applies to all related bodies under GHMC.
GHMC Commissioner, D Ronald Rose issued a circular to all related bodies. Which include GHMC zonal commissioners, DMCs, and town planning authorities. He informed these bodies to ensure compliance with maintaining water bodies as recreational and green zones in the 55 km stretch.
Teams led by revenue officials, under deputy collectors’ supervision, have been formed to conduct a survey spanning 55 kilometres and 14 mandals. The survey revealed significant construction activities within a 50-meter radius of the river, as indicated in a letter from Amrapali Kata, the managing director of Musi River Development Corporation Limited.
The state government has allocated a significant Rs 1,000 crore solely for the project in the interim budget for 2024-25.
