Hyderabad, March 13 – The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) on Friday unveiled the proposed plan for the first phase of the Musi Riverfront Development Project, aimed at transforming the 55-km stretch into an economic powerhouse, similar to the rivers in cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, and London.
According to the presentation made at a programme titled 'Musi invites' in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy here, the first phase will cover 21 km with an estimated development cost of Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,000 crore.
The project will include various components such as cleaning the river by preventing sewage from entering it, flood mitigation, public spaces for citizens, mobility and urban integration, sustainable development, heritage tourism, and designated zones to foster a 24X7 economy.
The project will have a blue master plan, a green master plan, a land use master plan, key projects, an infrastructure master plan, and a financial master plan.
Out of the 20 TMC of water to be brought to Hyderabad through the Godavari River linkage project, 2.5 TMC will be allocated for the rejuvenation of the Musi River, and the remaining 17.5 TMC for drinking water supply for Hyderabad.
The first phase covers two river stretches (Esa and Musa) converging at Gandhi Sarovar or Bapu Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in 1948.
The Gandhi Sarovar project will include a statue of peace, a handloom training center, an education and knowledge hub, public recreation spaces, a meditation and wellness village, and a national museum.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that some people are deliberately spreading half-truths and misinformation about the Musi rejuvenation project, causing unnecessary concern among the public.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy noted that human civilization has historically developed around rivers, and warned that if the state government fails to move forward while the world progresses, future generations will not forgive it.
He said that the state government has already consulted intellectuals and experts from various sections to gather suggestions on the development plan.
He added that stopping development is not a solution and urged critics to offer constructive suggestions if there are any shortcomings.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that the Musi River has become highly polluted, and environmental damage has already caused suffering in places like the Nalgonda district.
Although the river originates in the Rangareddy district, it becomes heavily polluted by the time it reaches Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the project is not merely about cleaning a river but about protecting the city's culture, history, and environment.
Addressing critics, who claim that bulldozers are being sent into Musi's catchment areas, he said that the state government is only implementing laws enacted by the Centre.
He challenged those opposing the project to live in the polluted Musi basin for three months, even offering container housing with full facilities, to understand the conditions.
He questioned why development should be obstructed, asking whether the poor should not receive proper infrastructure, employment opportunities, tourism growth, and the benefits of a night economy.