Hyderabad, Mar 13 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday evening said some people were deliberately spreading misinformation and half-truths about the Musi river rejuvenation project and urged them not to create unnecessary concern among the public.
Addressing the “Musi Invites” programme held at hotel here, Revanth Reddy r said the government organised the event to present facts about the project and clarify doubts among people.
He said the government believed in using authority as a responsibility to serve the people and not to dominate them, and therefore decided to openly discuss the project with citizens and experts.
He said the government was open to suggestions and constructive criticism to further improve the project.
Revanth Reddy said human civilisation had historically developed around rivers and stressed that Hyderabad could not afford to fall behind while cities across the world were moving forward with modern development.
The Chief Minister said the government had held discussions with intellectuals and experts from different fields to gather suggestions on the proposed development of the Musi river.
Recalling the history of the city, he said the devastating floods of 1908 had submerged Hyderabad, following which the Nizam, after consulting noted engineer M. Visvesvaraya, constructed the Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs to control floods and provide drinking water to the city.
“These reservoirs have protected Hyderabad from floods for over a century and also helped meet the drinking water needs of the city,” he said.
Revanth Reddy said the Musi river had gradually become heavily polluted and stressed the need to restore it to protect the city’s environment and heritage.
He said the river originates in Rangareddy district but becomes highly polluted by the time it flows through Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister said the government had already undertaken restoration works for several water bodies, including Nalla Cheruvu, Bathukamma Kunta and Bamrook-ud-Daula lake, as part of environmental conservation efforts.
He clarified that the Musi rejuvenation project was not intended to harm anyone or seize people’s properties but was aimed at protecting the environment and promoting urban development.
Revanth Reddy said the project would also create employment opportunities, strengthen tourism and contribute to the growth of the night-time economy in the city.
He said the government had complete data on families residing in the Musi river basin and was working to provide rehabilitation, including housing, schools and livelihood opportunities for those affected.
The Chief Minister said the government was also consulting public organisations to ensure proper rehabilitation measures.
He stated that the Musi rejuvenation project would transform the region into a major growth engine.
The CM called upon all sections of society to cooperate in completing the initiative.
TNT TS
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