CM Revanth Unveils Musi DPR, Assures No Harm to the Poor

hyderabad:Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asserted that not a single poor family will face injustice when the government starts working on the Musi rejuvenation project. He said the Musi project will not only put an end to man-made disasters such as frequent floods in many parts of the capital, but will also elevate Hyderabad to the league of global cities thriving with riverside economies.

Addressing a gathering of environmental activists, industrialists, diplomats and Gandhians, the Prime Minister appealed to people to join the mammoth task of restoring the glory of Musi and the economy developed by the Nizams along the river. He spoke following the presentation of the government’s plans for riverside development, which cover a range of features.

The presentation was a turning point for the Revanth Reddy government, which kept its promise to submit a detailed project report (DPR) within the stipulated time. The report, prepared with scientific data by a consortium of respected international consultants, revealed that Musi can be transformed into a constantly flowing, pollution-free river where a thriving economy can be developed along its 55 km riverbank, the longest riverbank in the world.

DPR brushed aside allegations by Opposition parties that the government was proceeding with the project without finalizing the important document. This also instilled confidence in the state machinery that the first phase of the project, costing a maximum of Rs 7,000 crore, could be achieved within the targeted two-year time frame.

“I will launch the first phase before the next Assembly elections,” Revanth Reddy told media persons on the sidelines of the event.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to finance 50 percent of the cost and the Centre, expressing its satisfaction with the project, has included the project in the Urban Challenge Fund and donated 25 percent, while the remaining 25 percent will be invested by the state government. Revanth Reddy pointed out that contrary to the Opposition’s claims that the state will spend thousands of billions of rupees on the Gandhi Sarovar, which includes the largest statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the world and other facilities, the DPR has put the actual cost at 200 billion.

He said some people deliberately spread half-truths and incomplete information to create public concern. He maintained that the government believes that power should be used to protect people rather than dominate them and that the presentation on Musi was designed to put the facts before the people in a transparent manner.

Revanth Reddy observed that human civilization has historically developed around rivers and warned that future generations will not forgive the current generation if the city is left behind while the rest of the world moves forward.

Recalling the devastating Musi flood that inundated Hyderabad in 1908, he said the Nizam government, after consulting legendary engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, built Osmansagar and Himayatsagar to control floods and provide drinking water to the city. These reservoirs have protected Hyderabad from floods for over a century and quenched the city’s thirst, he noted.

The Prime Minister asked, “Should we abandon such a historical city with a rich heritage?” he asked, urging critics to offer constructive suggestions instead of hindering development. Without naming anyone, he questioned why those who have ruled the state for ten years were against Musi’s rejuvenation.

Revanth Reddy emphasized that urban development in Hyderabad has never stopped despite government changes since 1994 and said that history will remember leaders who pursued visionary development. He noted that the Nizams had once shaped Hyderabad into a powerful economic zone and stressed that it was the responsibility of the present generation to preserve and enhance that legacy.

Emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of the Musi river, the official reminded that Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were buried at the confluence of the Musi and Esa rivers at Bapu Ghat, but complained that very few tourists visit the region anymore. Musi has become toxic due to pollution and human neglect, affecting downstream areas, including parts of Nalgonda district.

Challenging critics, he asked whether those opposed to the project would be willing to live in the polluted Musi basin for three months even if container houses and all amenities were provided.

Responding to criticism that the project was about alleged “beautification” or “looting”, the Prime Minister said such statements were misleading. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, he pointed out that even major conflicts could be won through peace and urged people to uphold Gandhian values.

Drawing a mythological parallel, he said noble efforts towards public welfare always face obstacles but ultimately succeed for the greater good. “Even if you do not support this effort for the public welfare, please do not try to obstruct it,” he appealed.

The Prime Minister said that the government was ready to provide appropriate compensation to those affected and reminded that land acquisition during the construction of the Outer Ring Road also displaced some people but ultimately contributed to the growth of the city. He said he was ready to listen to suggestions from all segments of society. Revanth Reddy said, “I am also one of you. Let’s work together and complete the Musi project with everyone’s cooperation.”