First phase of Musi rejuvenation to begin shortly, says Telangana CM Revath

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said the first phase of the Musi rejuvenation project would begin shortly, asserting that the river had to be cleaned up and restored rather than merely beautified. He said the government would ensure that no one suffers losses in the process and called for the cooperation of all political parties.

Speaking at the inauguration of the revived Thammidikunta Lake, he said Musi river pollution was causing hardships to people in Nalgonda district, who were paying the price for the neglect of successive governments. The lives of Hyderabad residents were closely linked to the river, he said.

Recalling the construction of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs by the Nizam to protect Hyderabad from floods, he said the Musi riverfront had been developed nearly a century ago, but the water body had now become polluted.

Describing Hyderabad as a city of rocks and lakes, Mr. Revanth Reddy said it had 1,372 lakes, but nearly 50% had disappeared due to various reasons. Encroachments had resulted in waterlogging on roads and flooding of residential colonies during rains. He stressed the need to free lakes from encroachments as part of efforts to protect nature and establish Hyderabad as a global city.

He said Thammidikunta Lake had been expanded from 14 to 30 acres, keeping the future of coming generations in mind, even if some people suffered losses in the process. Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna had voluntarily handed over two acres of land to the government, he said, describing him as a hero in real life as well as in films.

The Chief Minister said the lake would become a new destination alongside Shilparamam and called for developing a lake economy around it. He directed police officials to ensure adequate security and suggested planting a Jammi tree on the lake premises so that lakes could become venues for Dasara celebrations and help preserve cultural traditions.