Musi Nidra Campaign:G Kishan Reddy opposes Musi demolitions
Charminar: Union Minister for Coal and Mines and BJP Telangana state president G. Kishan Reddy criticized the Congress government’s approach to the Musi River rejuvenation project. He questioned the necessity of house demolitions along its banks.
Speaking after an overnight stay at Shankaramma’s residence in Tulsi Ram Nagar of Amberpet as a part of Musi Nidra campaign, BJP Telangana president G Kishan Reddy said, “Nearly one crore people’s drainage is being dumped into the Musi River, yet the focus seems to be on demolishing poor people’s homes instead of addressing the core issues.” He added that sewage and industrial waste disposal into the river must be prevented.
The Union Minister raised several questions about the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), timeline, and funding. “Already a year has been completed and the DPR will take two years for requisite approvals, election mood will start a year before. So the Revanth’s government will have only one year for implementation. How will this project be completed?” he questioned, expressing skepticism about the project’s feasibility.
Reddy emphasized the water supply issues in Nalgonda district, demanding clean water for residents. He questioned the government’s plans for bringing Godavari or Krishna river water to the Musi, stating that these crucial aspects remain unclear.
Drawing historical references, Reddy pointed out that the Nizams had successfully managed the river’s flow through retaining walls. “House demolition isn’t the only solution for the Musi issue. We can ensure water flow through retaining walls, as demonstrated during the Nizam’s era,” he explained.
Will support Musi beautification if no houses are demolished, even donate my salary: Kishan
In response to a query on Kishan Reddy supporting Revanth Reddy’s government regarding Musi beautification/ rejuvenation plan without demolishing houses, Kishan Reddy offered to donate his salary and participate in shramdaan (voluntary labor) for the Musi rejuvenation project, emphasizing his commitment to finding alternative solutions.
The Minister drew a sharp distinction between dealing with anti-national elements and treating poor residents like Shakaramma and others facing house demolitions. “While bulldozers might be appropriate for anti-national and antisocial elements, they shouldn’t be used against poor residents like Shakaramma,” Reddy added.
Reddy criticized the previous KCR government’s unfulfilled promises on Tank Bund cleanup. He concluded by demanding the Musi rejuvenation plan proceed without displacing residents from their homes.
