Musi rejuvenation Phase-I works to begin soon: Telangana CM Revanth
Hyderabad, Nov 11 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said works under Phase-I of the Musi river rejuvenation project would commence soon, assuring that the government would ensure that no one affected by the project suffered any loss.
Speaking after inaugurating the restored Tummidi Kunta lake in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said the government’s vision was to preserve nature and develop Hyderabad into a world-class city by restoring its lakes and water bodies.
He said Hyderabad, once known as a city of rocks and lakes, had 1,372 lakes, of which nearly 50 per cent had disappeared due to various reasons, particularly encroachments.
The loss of water bodies was contributing to water stagnation on roads and inundation of residential colonies during heavy rains.
Expressing concern over pollution in the Musi river, he said people in Nalgonda district were facing hardships due to contaminated water. The government had therefore decided to rejuvenate the river and restore its ecological importance.
Appealing to people cutting across political affiliations to support the initiative, Revanth Reddy said the Musi project was not merely aimed at beautification but involved comprehensive rejuvenation of the river and removal of encroachments.
Recalling the construction of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs by the erstwhile Nizam rulers to protect Hyderabad from floods, he highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Musi river, which originates in Vikarabad at the confluence of the Musa and Eesa streams.
The Chief Minister said the lives of Hyderabad residents were closely connected with the river and noted that rivers were deeply embedded in the region’s culture and traditions.
Praising film actor Nagarjuna for extending support to the restoration of Tummidi Kunta lake, he said the water body, which had shrunk to just 14 acres, was expanded to 30 acres.
Nagarjuna had voluntarily handed over two acres of land to the government to facilitate its revival, he added.
The restored lake would soon emerge as a major tourist attraction, with the government planning to shift the focus from Shilparamam to the lake, he said.
The Chief Minister directed HYDRAA officials and police to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors.
He also called for developing a lake-based economy around the water body.
A Jammi tree would be planted on the lake premises, which would also be developed as a venue for Dussehra celebrations, reflecting Telangana’s cultural traditions, he added.
TNT TS
