CM Revanth Reddy to give presentation on Musi rejuvenation project on March 13

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that he would give a PowerPoint presentation on the Musi rejuvenation project on March 13 to address concerns over displacement, rehabilitation, and the government’s broader development plans.

The Chief Minister said the presentation would explain the government’s vision to transform the Musi riverfront into a major economic and tourism hub. He also aimed to clarify doubts raised by residents and opposition parties.

Revanth Reddy made the announcement while participating in International Women’s Day celebrations in Hyderabad on Sunday. During the event, he sharply criticised opposition parties for obstructing the Musi rejuvenation project, which the government described as a key urban development initiative.

According to him, the project aims to modernise the riverfront and strengthen Hyderabad’s global profile.

The Chief Minister compared the plan with riverfront projects in other cities. He said about 10,000 families were displaced during the development of the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.

However, he alleged that authorities did not provide proper rehabilitation facilities there. He also pointed to similar riverfront developments along the Yamuna River in Delhi and the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh.

He questioned why opposition parties were opposing the Musi rejuvenation project when other cities had undertaken similar developments.

The Chief Minister also defended the proposal to build a Gandhi Knowledge Centre with an estimated cost of ₹200 crore. He asked critics what was wrong with creating such an institution as part of the riverfront development.

Revanth Reddy assured that the government would provide proper relief and rehabilitation to families affected by the Musi rejuvenation project.

He recalled that builders constructed an apartment complex in 2004 within a nine-metre buffer zone along the Isa river. Later, authorities decided to create a 50-metre buffer zone along riverbanks.

After that decision, the government banned construction within the expanded buffer zone.

Officials invited residents for discussions to resolve issues related to the removal of structures located within the newly defined zone. These structures fell within the expanded buffer limits.

The government also proposed to allocate seven acres of land and deposit funds needed to construct apartment buildings for affected residents.

However, Revanth Reddy said political leaders politicised the issue. According to him, they publicly expressed sympathy but discouraged residents from engaging with the government.

The Chief Minister stated that buildings located within the 50-metre buffer zone had “zero value” under regulatory rules. Still, he said the government remained willing to address grievances through dialogue.

He alleged that opposition leaders were preventing residents from participating in discussions with officials regarding rehabilitation under the Musi rejuvenation project.

Musi rejuvenation project aimed at transforming Hyderabad

Revanth Reddy appealed to citizens to cooperate with the government in protecting Hyderabad from encroachments. He said the city must evolve into an international-standard urban centre.

He argued that Hyderabad should become a backbone of India’s economic growth.

The Chief Minister referred to rising environmental problems in several Indian cities. He said air pollution had become severe in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Mumbai faced multiple urban challenges, and Chennai continued to struggle with flooding.

According to him, Hyderabad remains in the “Orange zone” in terms of environmental risk. However, he warned that the threat of entering the “Red category” was looming.

Therefore, he stressed the need to develop the city with international standards through projects like the Musi rejuvenation project.

The Chief Minister said earlier leaders such as N. Chandrababu Naidu and Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy had transformed Hyderabad.

He said the current government wanted Hyderabad to compete with global cities like Seoul, New York City, and Tokyo.

The state government was also working to shift industries outside the Outer Ring Road to control pollution levels.

EV buses and pollution control measures

As part of pollution control efforts, the government plans to reduce the number of diesel buses operating in Hyderabad.

Revanth Reddy said the government will move about 2,500 diesel buses of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation to districts by December. Authorities will replace them with electric buses in the city.

The government also plans to distribute electric scooters to college girls soon. In addition, the state has implemented a zero-tax policy on electric vehicles.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Telangana’s economic goals. He said the state aimed to contribute to India’s target of achieving a three-trillion-dollar economy by 2047.

He also mentioned investment opportunities emerging across Telangana.

Women empowerment initiatives highlighted

Revanth Reddy emphasised women empowerment schemes implemented by the state government. However, he said discrimination against women still exists in many societies, including developed countries such as the United States.

He said women’s abilities are often not recognised adequately. Therefore, institutions must play a stronger role in promoting women’s skills and leadership.

The Chief Minister noted that Sonia Gandhi inspired the formation of Telangana. He also said the Indian National Congress had given key leadership roles to women, including positions such as President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, and Chief Ministers.

He said the Telangana government was also prioritising women in administrative positions. Women officers now serve as district collectors, superintendents of police, and in other important posts.

He pointed out that Hyderabad currently has a woman district collector. He also said a woman officer from the State Intelligence Bureau helped secure the surrender of around 700 Maoists.

The Chief Minister listed several initiatives aimed at supporting women. These include free travel for women in RTC buses and ownership opportunities in 1,000 buses and 1,000-megawatt solar power projects.

The government also signed an agreement with Amazon to sell products made by self-help groups.

To promote women entrepreneurs, the government set up 150 stalls on three-and-a-half acres of land valued at ₹1,000 crore near HITEC City.

Revanth Reddy said the initiative aims to convert local talent into global talent.

He also addressed concerns over rising trolling on social media. The government plans to launch a platform where people can report false stories circulated online.

The Chief Minister added that the government will soon decide on housing sites for journalists and develop a dedicated colony in the proposed Future City.

He also alleged that the previous government did not allow women journalists to enter Pragathi Bhavan.