Hyderabad, Mar 28 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday criticised the filing of a case in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against the Musi rejuvenation project and questioned the intent of those opposing it.
He appealed for the withdrawal of the case, warning that continued opposition could invite public backlash.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Machileshwara Swamy and Omkareshwara Swamy temples along the Musi river at Manchirevula near the city with an outlay of ₹700 crore, Reddy said public representatives from the Musi basin had extended support for the project beyond political considerations, but alleged that some were attempting to obstruct it for political reasons.
“The project will not stop under any circumstances,” he asserted, describing it as a sacred commitment of the government.
He said the government aimed to cleanse the Musi and develop the region into a “Dakshina Kashi”.
Emphasising that the initiative was not driven by electoral or financial considerations, he said it was rooted in a commitment to the people.
“People are our gods, and we will proceed in line with their aspirations,” he added.
Reddy noted that several attempts had been made in the past to revive the river but had not succeeded.
“We consider it fortunate that this opportunity has come to us,” he said, adding that criticism and obstacles would not deter the government.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to recognise the importance of river-based development, noting that civilisations historically flourished along river basins, while trade and economic growth were linked to coastal regions. Telangana, he said, lacks a coastline and has not effectively utilised rivers such as the Musi and Isa.
He said pollution in the Musi was the result of human error and warned that Hyderabad’s historical legacy was at risk.
Drawing a comparison with cities such as Delhi, where pollution has disrupted daily life, he stressed the need to learn from such examples.
Describing Hyderabad as a symbol of communal harmony, Reddy said the government had begun reconstructing a historic Shiva temple along the Musi river basin.
He added that a mosque would also be constructed in the river basin and a church in the Nagole area as symbols of interfaith harmony.
The government is also planning to divert waters from the Godavari river to ensure continuous flow in the Musi, he added, noting that residents of Nalgonda district were facing hardships due to pollution.
TNT TS
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