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Telangana Unveils Musi Riverfront Blueprint, CM Revanth Reddy Hits Back at Critics

The Telangana government has unveiled the blueprint for the first phase of the ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Project, covering 21 km at an estimated cost of Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,000 crore. The plan includes river cleaning, flood mitigation, public spaces, and zones to foster a round-the-clock economy, with a key heritage focus at Gandhi Sarovar. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy strongly defended the project, accusing critics of spreading misinformation and emphasizing that development is essential for future generations. He challenged opponents to experience the polluted river basin firsthand and urged them to provide constructive suggestions instead of obstructing progress.

Key Points: Musi Riverfront Project Phase 1 Plan Unveiled in Hyderabad

  • 21-km first phase
  • Rs 6,500-7,000 crore cost
  • River cleaning & flood mitigation
  • Gandhi Sarovar heritage hub
  • 24X7 economic zones
3 min read

Telangana: Blueprint for first phase of Musi Riverfront project unveiled

Telangana govt unveils Rs 6,500-7,000 cr blueprint for 21-km Musi Riverfront phase 1. CM Revanth Reddy counters critics, details rejuvenation plans.

"If the state government fails to move forward while the world progresses, future generations will not forgive it. - Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy"

Hyderabad, March 13

The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited, on Friday, unveiled the proposed plan for the first phase of Musi Riverfront Development Project, aimed at turning the 55-km stretch into an economic powerhouse on the lines of the rivers in cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Paris and London.

As per the presentation made at a programme titled 'Musi invites' in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy here, the first phase will cover 21 km with tentative development cost of Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,000 crore.

The project will have various components like cleaning the river by ensuring that no sewage flows into it, floods mitigation, public spaces for citizens, mobility and urban integration, sustainable development, heritage tourism and designated zones to foster 24X7 economy.

The project will have blue master plan, green master plan, land use master plan, marquee projects, infrastructure master plan and financial master projects.

Out of 20 TMC of water to be brought to Hyderabad through Godavari River linkage project, 2.5 TMC will be allocated for Musi River rejuvenation and remaining 17.5 TMC for drinking water supply for Hyderabad.

The first phase covers two river stretches (Esa and Musa) converging at Gandhi Sarovar or Bapu Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in 1948.

The Gandhi Sarovar project will comprise as statue of peace, handloom training centre, education and knowledge hub, public recreation spaces, meditation and wellness village and national museum

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that some people are deliberately spreading half-truths and misinformation about the Musi rejuvenation project, creating unnecessary concern among the public.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy noted that human civilisation has historically developed around rivers, and warned that if the state government fails to move forward while the world progresses, future generations will not forgive it.

He said that the state government has already consulted intellectuals and experts from different sections to gather suggestions on the development plan.

He added that stopping development is not a solution and urged critics to offer constructive suggestions if there are any shortcomings.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the Musi River has become highly polluted, and environmental damage has already caused suffering in places like Nalgonda district.

Though the river originates in Rangareddy district, it becomes heavily polluted by the time it reaches Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the project is not merely about cleaning a river but about protecting the city's culture, history, and environment.

Addressing critics, who claim bulldozers are being sent into Musi's catchment areas, he said the state government is only implementing laws enacted by the Centre.

He challenged those opposing the project to live in the polluted Musi basin for three months, even offering container housing with full facilities, to understand the conditions.

He questioned why development should be obstructed, asking whether the poor should not receive proper infrastructure, employment opportunities, tourism growth, and the benefits of a night economy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 6,500-7,000 crore for just the first phase? That's a massive amount. While development is needed, I hope there is complete transparency in tendering and spending. We've seen cost overruns in many such projects. The priority should be stopping sewage inflow - that's the real test.
A
Arjun K
Including a handloom training centre and a knowledge hub at Gandhi Sarovar is a brilliant touch. It connects development with our heritage and creates local livelihoods. My only request: please ensure the "public recreation spaces" remain truly accessible to all citizens, not just high-end visitors.
S
Sarah B
The CM's challenge to critics is quite dramatic! But he has a point. Living next to a polluted river is a health hazard. Cleaning and developing the Musi is long overdue. However, the government must also genuinely listen to environmental concerns and not dismiss all critics.
K
Karthik V
Comparing to Seoul and London is good, but we need a solution tailored for Hyderabad. The flood mitigation plan is crucial. Musi has caused havoc in the past during heavy rains. Hope the "blue master plan" addresses this properly. Jai Telangana!
M
Meera T
As a resident, I'm cautiously optimistic. The project sounds great on paper, but execution is everything. What about the people currently living along the banks? Will they be rehabilitated properly? Development shouldn't come at the cost of displacing the urban poor without fair compensation.

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