Hyderabad: Musi project criticism by the BRS is baseless and politically motivated, IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu told the Assembly on Wednesday. He accused the opposition of indulging in mud-slinging instead of engaging constructively on the Musi River rejuvenation plan.
Responding to remarks by K. T. Rama Rao during Question Hour, Sridhar Babu rejected claims that the project was a “₹1.5 lakh crore scam.” He said the government had already fixed the estimated cost of the first phase between ₹6,500 crore and ₹7,000 crore. He described the higher figure cited by KTR as misleading and without factual basis.
The Minister said the government ensured transparency by placing all project details in the public domain. He stressed that no aspect of the Musi plan remained hidden. At the same time, he identified river pollution as a major issue affecting the twin cities. He then accused the BRS of attempting to block efforts aimed at addressing the problem through political allegations.
Musi project criticism ignores past decisions, says Sridhar Babu
Sridhar Babu questioned the BRS stand on encroachments along the Musi. He asked whether the previous government had not issued a Government Order in 2016 creating a 50-metre buffer zone on both sides of the river. He said the current objections contradicted that earlier policy decision.
He argued that raising concerns over removal of encroachments aimed to derail a key development initiative. According to him, the BRS prioritised political attacks over public welfare. He added that the opposition had made a habit of casting aspersions on every government initiative.
The Minister also highlighted the technical credibility of the project. He said Singapore-based engineering firm Meinhardt prepared the Detailed Project Report. The firm has handled similar projects across the world, he noted. He rejected claims that officials prepared the DPR within two months. Instead, he said, authorities took nearly a year to complete the report.
Musi project criticism countered with funding clarity
Sridhar Babu said the government submitted the DPR to the Asian Development Bank for financial assistance. The proposal is currently under evaluation, he added. He expressed confidence that the ADB Board would consider approval at an upcoming meeting. He dismissed as false the claim that the bank had rejected the proposal.
He said the government would not halt the project if ADB funding did not materialise. Authorities would explore alternative funding options, including other institutions and partnership models. He reaffirmed that the project would proceed under all circumstances.
The Minister maintained that Musi project criticism from the BRS lacked substance and ignored both technical and administrative facts. He said the government remained committed to executing the project while addressing pollution and urban challenges linked to the river.