Telangana CM Revanth Reddy reviews Musi Riverfront project, discusses land acquisition
Hyderabad, June 27
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held a review meeting on the Musi Riverfront Project at the MCR HRD Bodhi Pavilion in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, on Friday.
According to a release, discussions were held on the Phase I works of the Musi Riverfront Project. They included allotment of double-bedroom houses to people currently residing in the Musi riverbed.
The meeting also discussed land acquisition, that those willing to part with their land should either be given Transferable Development Rights (TDR) or paid appropriate compensation. The State Government should relocate the existing structures located on Defence land being acquired for the Gandhi Sarovar Project.
Further discussions were held on establishing a Musi Experience Centre at Necklace Road for public visitors. The centre should showcase the various works and developments planned under the Musi Riverfront Project. Public feedback and opinions on the project should also be collected through the Experience Centre.
The meeting was attended by State Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, MP Vem Narender Reddy, Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Musi Riverfront Development Project Managing Director Narsimha Reddy, MRDCL Joint Managing Director Gauthami, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, CMO Secretary Manik Raj, and senior officials from the Municipal Administration Department.
Earlier, on June 19, CM Reddy expressed gratitude to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army for granting permission to the Telangana government to undertake work on its flagship Gandhi Sarovar Project at Bapu Ghat, an approval that Reddy said is significant for the rejuvenation of the Musi River.
"This approval marks an important milestone in the Government of Telangana's vision for the comprehensive rejuvenation of the Musi River and the transformation of its riverfront into a vibrant ecological, cultural, and public asset for the people. We are grateful for the support and cooperation extended by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army," said CM Reddy, according to Telangana CMO.
The CM had earlier said the Musi rejuvenation plan aims to restore the river ecosystem, improve flood management, and develop public spaces along the riverbanks.
The initiative is also expected to draw inspiration from successful riverfront projects such as the redevelopment of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, which transformed the riverbanks into public spaces while addressing flood control and environmental concerns.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive to see the state government taking cues from the Sabarmati riverfront project. That project in Ahmedabad completely transformed the city's relationship with its river. Telangana should definitely learn from their mistakes too - like ensuring proper sewage treatment before releasing water into the river. Fingers crossed for Hyderabad! 🤞
Yaar, I really hope this doesn't become another "chinna chesthaaru, pedda chesthaaru" type project. The Musi has been neglected for decades. Let's see if the government actually follows through on relocating people without corruption. But good that Defence Ministry cooperation was obtained for Gandhi Sarovar - that shows some serious groundwork.
The Musi Experience Centre sounds like a great idea - involving public opinion through that centre could actually make this project more transparent. But I'm wary about the TDR compensation model. Many landowners might not understand complex real estate instruments. Better if they get straightforward cash compensation or ready-to-move-in houses. Let public feedback shape this properly!
Being from the US, it's fascinating to see Indian states taking on such ambitious urban rejuvenation projects. The comparison to Sabarmati is interesting - but Musi is a much longer river passing through more densely populated areas. Hope the environmental impact assessment is thorough and they prioritize ecological restoration over just beautification. Flood management is critical for Hyderabad's climate.
Good to see CM taking personal interest. But I hope the project doesn't just benefit real estate developers near Necklace Road and leave common citizens out. The double-bedroom houses for riverbed dwellers is a good step, but assurance deeds need to
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