Hyderabad, Sep 28: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday urged citizens to actively support the Musi Rejuvenation Project, a flagship initiative aimed at reviving the historic river and safeguarding Hyderabad from future floods.
Speaking after inaugurating the restored Batukamma Kunta Lake in Amberpet, the Chief Minister highlighted that even rainfall exceeding two centimetres in Hyderabad leads to severe flooding.
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and frequent cloudbursts, CM Revanth Reddy said the state government is implementing robust plans to strengthen infrastructure and protect the environment.
He pointed out that the Musi River had turned into a dumping ground due to neglect by previous governments, emphasizing the critical need for its revival.
“Our government is committed to protecting water bodies and reviving abandoned lakes and ponds under the Musi project,” he said, urging public cooperation to safeguard the city from potential natural disasters.
The Chief Minister also stressed that even one hour of rainfall causes waterlogging in habitations along the Musi catchment area. He instructed Hyderabad in-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to conduct a field survey and prepare rehabilitation proposals for affected residents in Amberpet.
CM Revanth Reddy appealed to citizens not to fall prey to land mafias selling government property at cheap rates, assuring that the People’s Government will always stand by the poor. “Unlike the opposition, which treats poverty lightly, we are aware of the struggles of the underprivileged,” he said.
He praised the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) for removing encroachments and restoring water bodies. HYDRAA successfully cleared Bathukamma Kunta Lake and rejuvenated it, with large crowds of women performing Bathukamma celebrations near the lake to welcome the Chief Minister.
The lake restoration, costing Rs 7.15 crore, is part of six lakes revived by HYDRAA at a total expenditure of Rs 58.40 crore.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for 39 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Hyderabad, with a total investment of Rs 3,849.10 crore.
