Musi Rejuvenation Project a vital growth engine for Telangana: CM Revanth

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy characterized the Musi Rejuvenation Project as a vital growth engine for Telangana’s future.

Speaking at the `Musi Invites’ program, the CM dismissed opposition criticism as `false propaganda’ and challenged critics to experience the river’s current state firsthand.

A Challenge to the Opposition

The Chief Minister took a direct swipe at leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), challenging them to stay in the Musi river basin for three months to understand the plight of the residents.

"The government is ready to construct a container house for them to stay. Why did the previous government neglect this project for years and now seek to obstruct it?" he said.

Addressing the opposition’s labeling of the project as "lootification," Reddy argued that their resistance stems from a fear that the project’s success will bring immense repute to the current Congress administration.

Development Beyond "Beautification"

The CM emphasized that the project is not merely about aesthetics but is rooted in history, culture, and economic pragmatism. Key highlights of his address included:

Economic Vision: Reddy defended the government's role in real estate and tourism, asking, "What is wrong with the government engaging in real estate for the state’s interest or boosting the night economy?"

Environmental Necessity: He pointed out that pollution originating in Ranga Reddy district has turned the Musi toxic, severely affecting the health of people as far as the Nalgonda district.

Historical Preservation: The project aims to honor the heritage of the Nizam era and the sanctity of Bapu Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed.

Compensation and Rehabilitation

Addressing concerns over displacement and the use of "bulldozers," the CM reassured the public that the government is acting as a "custodian" and not an authoritarian force.

Housing - Construction of new homes in consultation with Jana Andolan Sangh.

Education - Provision of schools and modern amenities in resettlement areas.

Employment - Creation of blue-collar jobs and local opportunities for the displaced.

Legal Framework - Implementation of laws enacted by the central government.

Lessons from History

Drawing parallels to the 1908 Musi floods, Reddy recalled how the Nizam consulted legendary engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya to build the Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs.

"History remembers only those with true vision," said CM Revanth Reddy, urging citizens to support the project to ensure future generations inherit a clean, vibrant, and economically stable Hyderabad.

Nakal ke liye akaal rehna

CM Revanth Reddy defended his foreign tours to study river development projects in other countries, saying, "I went there to study and implement. Nakal marne ke liye akaal rehna chaiye." The project has studied the various implementations of riverfront projects in Singapore, Seoul, Dubai, Japan, and also Ahmedabad in Gujarat to understand the manner in which the river can be revived.