Hyderabad, March 8 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Sunday that the state government is planning to promote a "night economy" of shops and other businesses with the redevelopment of the Musi river here.
He sought the cooperation of AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi in this endeavor.
"Businesses in the old city operate until 12 and 1 in the night. Police restrictions sometimes cause inconvenience to you. Not only will the state government allow you to carry out your businesses until 1 am, but it is also planning to promote a "night economy" by developing the area along the Musi river," he said.
The Musi redevelopment and promotion of the "night economy" would provide jobs and livelihood opportunities to unemployed youth and also contribute to the state's economy, he added.
Speaking after the inauguration of the Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla lake in the Old City, renovated by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), he said the government would not leave those displaced due to Musi redevelopment to their fate, but would provide them with alternative housing.
He urged Owaisi to help in the process. "If you (Owaisi) give an order to your party workers and followers, everything will fall in line," Reddy said.
He said he would ensure funds for the development in the old city.
Reddy warned that Hyderabad would lose its glory if encroachments are not removed and lakes, ponds, and parks are not restored to their original state.
He cited the example of the Bathukamma Kunta lake here, which was rejuvenated by removing encroachments.
The government has undertaken a 99-day action plan to improve the quality of life in Hyderabad, he added.
