Musi rejuvenation estimates by March 31; works to begin soon, says CM
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday announced that cost estimations for the Musi Rejuvenation Project will be finalised by March 31, after which tenders will be invited and works taken up without delay.
ADB loan, Centre’s nod for Gandhi Sarovar
Speaking in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the Asian Development Bank has agreed to extend a loan of ₹4,000 crore for the project. He added that the Centre has approved the development of Gandhi Sarovar as part of the Musi rejuvenation plan.
Revanth Reddy said Gandhi Sarovar is being developed near Bapu Ghat at the confluence of the Musi and Eesa rivers, where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. He noted that river basins have historically supported human civilisation and recalled that from the Kakatiya period to the Nizam era, several projects were built to meet irrigation, drinking water and industrial needs.
MLAs to be consulted after DPR
The Chief Minister said the government will seek suggestions from all MLAs once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is finalised. “After the DPR is ready, we will make a PowerPoint presentation to all MLAs and invite their suggestions,” he told the House.
He said strict action had already been taken against pollution of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar caused by drainage from farmhouses of influential families. Recalling the 1908 floods, he said the Nizam government built the two reservoirs as a permanent solution and they continue to meet Hyderabad’s drinking water needs.
Global models studied
As part of preparations, the government studied river rejuvenation models in global cities, including London, New York, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. “All world-class cities have protected their river basins,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to national precedents, Revanth Reddy said around 60,000 families were relocated during the Sabarmati river cleanup in Gujarat and riverfronts were developed along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. “We never opposed such large projects. It is unfortunate that some political forces are now obstructing the Musi project,” he said.
Health concerns and pollution
The Chief Minister said pollution in the Musi has become a serious health hazard, particularly for people living along its banks and in downstream areas such as Nalgonda. He cited reports pointing to health problems among women due to industrial effluents and animal waste. The government, he said, is preparing plans to ensure continuous flow of clean water in the river.
Water diversion, infrastructure plans
Revanth Reddy said the government plans to divert Godavari waters to address Musi pollution permanently. Of the proposed 20 TMC allocation, 15 TMC will be used for drinking water and 5 TMC to maintain a continuous clean flow in the river.
He added that a 55 km elevated corridor is proposed from Gandipet to Gourella as part of the broader development plan. Development works are already underway in a V-shape near Gandhi Sarovar.
Religious harmony, Old City focus
The Musi project also includes development of an ancient Shiva temple near Manchirevula and construction of a gurudwara, mosque and church along the river basin to promote religious harmony. The Chief Minister said defence land has been agreed to be provided for the Gandhi Sarovar project.
Responding to criticism, Revanth Reddy said real estate is an industry and recalled similar objections raised during the development of Hitech City. He said urbanisation is expected to touch 75% in the next two decades.
On Old City development, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to transforming it into one of the world’s best urban centres. He urged MLAs from Greater Hyderabad to submit constituency specific proposals and said the government is ready to build good houses for the poor and provide better civic facilities.
