Telangana Deputy CM Ridicules Claims of ₹1.5 Lakh Crore for Musi River Rejuvenation Project
In a bid to clear the air surrounding the Musi River rejuvenation project, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka addressed the press on October 7, 2024, at the Secretariat in Hyderabad. Vikramarka vehemently dismissed rumors that the Telangana government had allocated ₹1.5 lakh crore for the project, calling such claims premature and speculative. According to him, the project cost would only be finalized after the completion of a detailed project report (DPR).
The Deputy CM’s remarks come at a time when the Musi River rejuvenation project is a topic of intense political debate in Telangana. Opposition parties and media outlets have raised concerns over the alleged allocation of funds, questioning the government’s spending priorities. However, Vikramarka’s response at the press conference sought to calm these concerns and provide a clearer picture of the project’s status.
Context of the Musi River Rejuvenation Project
The Musi River, which flows through Hyderabad, has long been a subject of environmental and urban planning discussions. Once a lifeline for the region, the river has suffered from years of pollution, encroachments, and neglect. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, and rampant urbanization have turned the Musi into an environmental hazard rather than a natural asset for the city. Over the years, various state governments have floated proposals to clean and rejuvenate the river, but the complexity of the project has made progress slow.
The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, has committed to an ambitious river restoration plan as part of its broader environmental sustainability agenda. However, given the enormity of the task — which involves cleaning the river, relocating encroachments, constructing infrastructure to prevent further pollution, and implementing long-term environmental safeguards — the project has faced numerous challenges. Despite these hurdles, the current administration is determined to see the project through, but recent rumors of a ₹1.5 lakh crore price tag have stoked controversy.
Deputy CM’s Clarification: No Finalized Budget
During the press conference, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka made it clear that the government had not set aside ₹1.5 lakh crore for the Musi River rejuvenation project. “These claims are completely baseless and speculative,” Vikramarka said, adding that no definitive budget has been approved for the project since the detailed project report (DPR) is still being prepared. He emphasized that the actual cost of the project would only be determined after the DPR is finalized, a process that is still underway.
“The cost of the project will be ascertained on the basis of the DPR,” the Deputy CM said. He further explained that the state government had initiated the process of inviting tenders to appoint a consultancy firm. The consultancy will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive study, assessing the environmental and infrastructural requirements, and estimating the total project cost. Only after the consultancy completes its study and submits the DPR will the government have a clear understanding of the financial and technical scope of the project.
Misinterpretation of Preliminary Estimates
The ₹1.5 lakh crore figure, according to Vikramarka, appears to have stemmed from preliminary estimates or misinterpretations of the broader vision for Hyderabad’s river systems, rather than the Musi project itself. He urged opposition leaders and media outlets to refrain from spreading misinformation that could undermine public trust in the government’s plans. He noted that while the Musi River rejuvenation project is a crucial initiative, any claims regarding its cost must be based on factual data, which will only emerge after the DPR is completed.
“We have just begun the process of finalizing the consultancy. No tenders have been called yet for the actual project work. The exact financial outlay will be determined once the DPR is ready, and we are committed to executing the project in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said.
Political and Public Reaction
The Deputy CM’s remarks come in response to a wave of political criticism. Several opposition leaders have attacked the government for allegedly overspending on the Musi River project, claiming that a budget of ₹1.5 lakh crore is excessive and unsustainable. They argue that such a large sum could be better spent on immediate infrastructure and public welfare projects. This criticism has gained traction, particularly in the media, leading to widespread speculation about the project’s financial implications.
In response to these accusations, Vikramarka pointed out that it is irresponsible to criticize the government based on incomplete information. He called on the opposition to engage in constructive dialogue about the state’s environmental and urban planning efforts rather than resorting to political point-scoring.
“The Musi River rejuvenation project is part of our long-term vision for the state’s environmental future. Our priority is to clean the river, restore it to its natural state, and ensure that future generations benefit from a cleaner, more sustainable environment. This project requires careful planning, and we will ensure that it is implemented in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible,” Vikramarka stated.
The Importance of the Musi River Project
The rejuvenation of the Musi River is not just about environmental conservation; it is also a key part of Telangana’s urban development strategy. Hyderabad, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, is grappling with several challenges related to rapid urbanization. These include water shortages, pollution, traffic congestion, and deteriorating infrastructure. The Musi River, which cuts through the heart of the city, represents an opportunity to address some of these challenges by transforming a polluted waterway into a green corridor that can provide recreational spaces, improve air quality, and enhance the city’s overall livability.
The Telangana government’s vision for the Musi River project includes cleaning the riverbed, preventing further pollution through sewage treatment plants, and creating recreational spaces such as parks and walking tracks along the riverbanks. The project is also expected to include infrastructure for stormwater management and flood prevention, which are critical in a city prone to seasonal flooding.
Moreover, the project has the potential to become a model for urban river restoration in India. Similar projects, such as the Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad, have demonstrated the transformative impact that river rejuvenation can have on a city’s landscape and quality of life. By restoring the Musi River, Telangana aims to create a lasting environmental and social legacy for Hyderabad.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
From an environmental perspective, the Musi River rejuvenation project is expected to have far-reaching benefits. Cleaning the river will help reduce water pollution and improve the local ecosystem. The project is also expected to contribute to the restoration of biodiversity along the riverbanks, creating habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Economically, the project has the potential to attract tourism and investment to the city. Similar projects in other parts of the world have shown that well-executed riverfront development can become a magnet for tourists, businesses, and real estate development. The creation of green spaces along the Musi River could lead to a significant increase in property values in nearby areas, boosting the local economy and generating revenue for the state.
Furthermore, the Musi River rejuvenation project could provide employment opportunities for thousands of people, particularly in sectors such as construction, landscaping, environmental engineering, and tourism. The state government has indicated that it will prioritize local labor and businesses in the implementation of the project, ensuring that the economic benefits are widely distributed.
The Role of the DPR and Next Steps
The next critical step in the Musi River rejuvenation project is the completion of the detailed project report. The consultancy firm selected through the tender process will be tasked with conducting an in-depth study of the river’s current condition, the environmental and infrastructural requirements for its restoration, and the potential costs of implementing the project. The DPR will also outline the timeline for the project, including the phases of implementation and key milestones.
Once the DPR is finalized, the Telangana government will review the findings and make a decision on how to proceed with the project. The government has committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process, including public consultations and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the project meets the needs and expectations of the people of Hyderabad.
In the meantime, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has called on all stakeholders, including opposition leaders and the media, to exercise patience and refrain from making premature judgments about the project. He reiterated the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban development, emphasizing that the Musi River rejuvenation project is an integral part of Telangana’s long-term vision for a greener, more prosperous future.
Conclusion
The Musi River rejuvenation project represents a critical opportunity for Telangana to address the environmental degradation of one of Hyderabad’s most important natural resources. While recent claims about a ₹1.5 lakh crore budget have sparked controversy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka’s clarification at the press conference makes it clear that the project’s cost is yet to be determined, pending the completion of the detailed project report. As the state government continues to move forward with its plans, the focus will remain on ensuring that the project is implemented in a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective manner, with the ultimate goal of creating a cleaner, more sustainable Hyderabad for future generation.