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KTR Questions Musi Project Budget
KTR Criticizes Budget for Musi Riverfront Development
The Musi Riverfront Development Project has been at the center of a political debate, with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) strongly opposing the newly proposed budget for the project. According to KTR, the riverfront’s development can be accomplished for Rs 25,000 crore, a stark contrast to the Rs 141 crore previously allocated. He questioned the necessity of increased spending, citing that detailed designs from nine reputable firms are already available and ready for implementation. He emphasized that there’s no need to waste taxpayers’ money on redesigning the project.
BRS Government’s Achievements in Musi River Rejuvenation
KTR took the opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of the BRS government in revitalizing the Musi River and its banks. Over the years, various initiatives were implemented to address pollution, beautification, and water management along the riverfront. He noted that former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) opted not to disturb the structures within the Musi River’s buffer zone to prevent the displacement of nearly 100,000 people.
Instead of resorting to costly removals, the BRS government chose to raise the retaining walls of the river, much like the successful Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad. This approach, KTR explained, allowed for sustainable riverfront development without the need for mass relocations.
Major Projects for Musi River Restoration
KTR highlighted five major initiatives undertaken by the BRS government to rejuvenate the Musi Riverfront Development Project. The most significant was the allocation of Rs 3,866 crore for the construction of 31 sewage treatment plants (STPs) along the nalas. These STPs, with a total treatment capacity of 1,259 million liters per day, have already been 90 percent completed. KTR pointed out that these efforts have significantly reduced the amount of untreated sewage flowing into the Musi River.
Another key initiative was the sanctioning of Rs 1,100 crore to fill the Osmansagar reservoir with Godavari water from the Kondapochamma reservoir. This move ensured the flow of clean water into the Musi, improving water quality for future development efforts.
Infrastructure Development Along the Musi River
To further support the Musi Riverfront Development Project, the BRS government allocated Rs 545 crore for the construction of 15 bridges over the Musi and Esa Rivers. These bridges were designed to improve urban connectivity while enhancing the river’s aesthetic appeal. In addition, KTR revealed that a global competition held during the BRS government saw nine reputable firms submit designs for the riverfront project. He urged the current administration to select from these designs instead of wasting Rs 141 crore on new plans.
The Cancellation of SNDP Phase 2
KTR also questioned the Congress government’s decision to cancel the second phase of the Strategic Nala Development Program (SNDP), which had been planned after the devastating floods in October 2020. According to KTR, Rs 985.65 crore was spent on SNDP Phase 1, significantly reducing flooding in vulnerable areas. He expressed his confusion as to why the Congress administration canceled SNDP Phase 2, which was estimated to cost Rs 5,000 crore and could have further improved Hyderabad’s flood management infrastructure.
In addition, KTR proposed an expressway connecting the western and eastern outer-ring roads, a project that was planned with an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore. This expressway would have greatly improved urban mobility, and KTR noted that the designs and planning for this project were already prepared under the BRS administration.
Musi Riverfront Beautification Efforts
The Musi Riverfront Development Project also includes beautification efforts in key areas like Nagole and Uppal Bhagayath, where 5 kilometers of riverfront beautification have been initiated. Open gyms, walking tracks, and landscaped parks are part of this effort to turn the Musi River into a public attraction, adding value to surrounding communities.
KTR stressed that the groundwork for the Musi Riverfront project has already been laid and that the current government should continue building upon it instead of proposing exorbitant new budgets. “Everything has been served to Revanth Reddy on a plate. All he needs to do is take our work to the next level. It would at maximum cost Rs 25,000 crore to complete the project,” KTR said, questioning why the new administration was proposing a budget of Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
Controversy Over the Involvement of Meinhardt
KTR also raised concerns over the involvement of Meinhardt, a controversial firm, in the Musi Riverfront Development Project. He alleged that the company has been involved in multiple scams, including one in Pakistan related to the Ravi Riverfront Development. According to KTR, the company has been blacklisted in various regions, including Pakistan, and the Airport Authority of India has also debarred it. He questioned why the Congress government was considering working with such a firm despite its tarnished reputation.
Conclusion
KTR’s detailed critique of the proposed budget for the Musi Riverfront Development Project highlights the political and financial complexities surrounding urban development projects. His emphasis on cost-effectiveness, prior planning, and the responsible use of taxpayer money underscores the importance of strategic decision-making in public infrastructure projects. As Hyderabad continues to evolve, the future of the Musi River and its development will remain a key issue for both political leaders and citizens alike.
