Hyderabad one of India’s safest metros; will transform it into world class city: CM Revanth

Hyderabad: Declaring Hyderabad as one of India’s safest metros, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Monday vowed to transform the capital into a world-class city.

He was speaking after inaugurating the rejuvenated Nalla Cheruvu at Kukatpally under the government’s lake restoration drive.

Addressing a public gathering in the Malkajgiri Parliamentary Constituency, the Chief Minister said development and welfare would remain the government’s priority beyond political affiliations.

He assured that all Assembly constituencies in the segment would receive adequate funds for infrastructure and civic works.

‘Development beyond politics’

Expressing happiness over returning to Kukatpally as Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy recalled his tenure as MP from Malkajgiri and said he was now in a position to fulfil long-pending development goals.

“After elections, politics should end. Governance must focus on development,” he said, adding that the government is ready to allocate sufficient resources for roads, flyovers, nala expansion, playgrounds, and civic infrastructure.

He urged citizens not to obstruct development initiatives, warning that delays today could cost future opportunities.

Hyderabad is safer than other Metros

The Chief Minister observed that several metropolitan cities are grappling with serious urban challenges, pollution in Delhi, floods in Mumbai and Chennai, and traffic congestion in Bengaluru, while Hyderabad remains comparatively stable and secure.

He said the city continues to attract people from across the country for employment and business opportunities, and stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure to match its rapid growth.

“With public cooperation, Hyderabad can become a model city,” he said.

Musi Rejuvenation and Lake Protection Drive

Revanth Reddy underscored the importance of reviving the Musi River, stating that ecological balance and water body protection are crucial for the city’s future.

Referring to riverfront developments in other states, he said Hyderabad too must take up comprehensive river and lake rejuvenation works. The government plans to restore all lakes within the Core Urban Region, remove encroachments on nalas, and undertake road expansion to build a sustainable and well-planned city.

“Protecting natural resources is not optional. It is essential for future generations,” he said.

No harm to the poor, assures CM

Responding to criticism over lake restoration drives, the Chief Minister said allegations were made when the government began clearing encroachments, but he chose to continue the work silently.

“Seeing the happiness on people’s faces today, those criticisms feel like blessings,” he remarked.

Clarifying the government’s stand, he said the objective is not to trouble the poor or demolish homes arbitrarily, but to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

He urged those who have encroached upon lakes and drainage channels to come forward, assuring fair solutions, compensation, double-bedroom housing for eligible families, and TDR benefits wherever applicable.

Nalla Cheruvu expanded to 30 acres

The rejuvenated Nalla Cheruvu, restored by HYDRAA, has been expanded from 16 acres to 30 acres at a cost of ₹20 crore. The project includes walking and cycling tracks, improved inlets and outlets for flood management, strengthened bunds, and landscaped surroundings.

The Chief Minister described the lake as a recreational and wellness space where residents can walk, relax, and unwind. He said additional amenities such as play areas and sports facilities would be developed along the lake bund.

During the programme, he performed special prayers to Goddess Gangamma, offering silk cloth, turmeric, and kumkum. He also visited the Indira Mahila Shakti stalls set up near the lake and interacted with women participants.

Livelihood opportunities along lake bunds

The government plans to create vending spaces for women’s self-help groups near rejuvenated lakes to promote livelihood activities.

Stalls for milk, vegetables, and other essentials will be encouraged, integrating economic activity with environmental restoration.

Revanth Reddy said such initiatives would ensure that lake rejuvenation benefits both ecology and local communities.

A vision for a sustainable Hyderabad

Reaffirming his commitment, the Chief Minister said citizens can directly bring issues to his notice and assured full support for resolving them. He recalled the support extended by the people during his political journey and pledged to remain dedicated to their welfare.

“With your cooperation, we will widen roads, restore lakes, clear nalas, and create playgrounds. Together, we will build a greener, safer, and globally competitive Hyderabad,” he said.

The inauguration of Nalla Cheruvu marks a significant step in the government’s broader urban rejuvenation plan aimed at transforming Hyderabad into a resilient and environmentally responsible metropolis, he added.