Hyderabad, March 22 (TNT):Vedire Sriram, Advisor to the Maharashtra Chief Minister and former advisor to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, on Sunday criticised the Telangana government’s Musi river rejuvenation plans, alleging lack of scientific approach.
Speaking at a discussion on “Musi River Rejuvenation – Facts” organised by the BJP Telangana unit, Sriram said the current plan reflects riverfront development rather than true river rejuvenation.
He said rejuvenation involves restoring a river as a living ecosystem, while riverfront development is largely limited to beautification.
“Cosmetic interventions on a dead river will not yield results. Restoring ecological health must come first,” he said.
Sriram explained that a river system includes not only surface water but also groundwater flows, paleo-channels, sediment movement, seasonal variations and riparian zones.
Ignoring these and focusing on concrete structures would damage the river’s natural ecology, he warned.
Outlining a three-stage approach, he said the upper stretch requires catchment treatment and restoration of feeder streams through measures such as check dams and percolation systems.
In the city stretch, he identified sewage inflow as the main issue and called for interceptor systems to ensure only treated water enters the river.
He cautioned against large-scale displacement in the name of buffer zones.
For downstream areas, he flagged worsening water quality affecting agriculture and public health, and suggested desilting, wetland development and natural treatment solutions.
Sriram also proposed a unified Musi River Basin Authority and called for real-time public disclosure of water quality indicators such as BOD and DO.
Emphasising public participation, he said large-scale consultations with stakeholders are essential.
“Rejuvenation is not a beautification project but a scientific and ecological process,” he added.
TNT TS
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