Telangana CM thanks Defence Minister for approval to Gandhi Sarovar Project
Hyderabad, June 19
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Friday, thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for granting permission to the state government to undertake work on its flagship Gandhi Sarovar Project on the defence land at Bapu Ghat, Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister took to X to express his 'sincere gratitude' to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Ministry of Defence, and the Indian Army for granting permission to the Government of Telangana for undertaking work on the project.
"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," he said.
The Ministry of Defence granted working permission to Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MDRC), Hyderabad, to upgrade and develop Bapu Ghat into the Gandhi Sarovar project.
According to the letter sent by the Ministry of Defence to the Chief of Army Staff, permission has been given for the work on defence land measuring 83.814 acres in Artillery Centre Golconda on the basis of the creation of Equal Value Infrastructure (EVI) to upgrade and develop Bapu Ghat into the Gandhi Sarovar Project.
The letter dated June 18 mentions that the defence land measuring 83.814 acres is valued at Rs 533.42 crore.
The working permission on defence land has been accorded on the creation of EVI accruable to LMA (Army) in lieu of defence land.TheThe
Gandhi Sarovar Project is being undertaken as part of the prestigious Musi River Rejuvenation initiative.
The state government plans to develop Bapu Ghat into a world-class educational, cultural, spiritual, and environmental landmark, reflecting the ideals and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had discussed the project with the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on several occasions.
The Chief Minister had urged the Defence Minister to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of the project at the sacred confluence of the Esa and Musi rivers.
The Chief Minister had informed the Union Minister that in February 1948, the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed at this historic confluence, making the site one of profound national significance.
CM Revanth Reddy had stated that the Gandhi Sarovar Project forms a key component of the state Government's comprehensive Musi River Rejuvenation Project aimed at ecological restoration and sustainable development.
Revanth Reddy had requested the Defence Minister to transfer 98.20 acres of defence land for the Gandhi Sarovar Project.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative but I'm a bit concerned about giving away 83 acres of defence land. Hope the Equal Value Infrastructure (EVI) they're creating is truly equivalent, not just some buildings that will be neglected later. Our army's needs must come first.
Interesting to see state-federal cooperation in India. In the US, defence land transfers are incredibly complex. The Gandhi Sarovar concept sounds visionary - blending ecological restoration with cultural heritage. Will it include educational exhibits about Gandhi's life?
As someone from Hyderabad, I'm cautiously optimistic. The Musi river needs serious cleaning - every monsoon it floods and causes chaos in old city areas. If this project genuinely rejuvenates the riverfront and creates public spaces, it's worth the effort. Just hope they involve local communities in planning.
Rs 533 crore for defence land? That's a hefty price tag. But if it means creating a world-class memorial at the spot where Gandhiji's ashes were immersed, maybe it's justified. The confluence of Esa and Musi rivers is indeed historically significant. Let's see if they deliver on the 'world-class' promise.
As an environmental planner from Canada, I'm intrigued by this river rejuvenation approach. Combining memorial development with ecological restoration is a smart strategy. However, 83 acres seems large - hope they maintain green cover and don't just concrete over everything. Mahatma Gandhi would have wanted trees, not marble alone.
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