BRS Legislators Clash with Ministers Over Musi River Rejuvenation Project
In a dramatic session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, BRS MLAs including senior leader KT Rama Rao engaged in heated arguments with ministers regarding the ambitious Musi River rejuvenation project. The confrontation, which occurred during the question hour, saw BRS legislators KTR, D Sudheer Reddy, Bandari Laxma Reddy, and Kaleru Venkatesh raising pointed questions about the project's financial aspects and implementation timeline.
Financial Assistance and Project Cost Details
IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu provided detailed information about the government's plans for financial assistance. He revealed that the administration is actively exploring multiple funding avenues, including potential support from international agencies such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. Additionally, the government is considering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to finance this significant infrastructure initiative.
The minister confirmed that the ADB has, in principle, agreed to provide financial assistance for the project, while emphasizing that the government maintains other viable options for securing necessary loans. According to the minister's statement, the Phase-I Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed, with estimated expenditures ranging between Rs 6,500 crore and Rs 7,000 crore.
Displacement Figures and Project Timeline
Minister Sridhar Babu disclosed that approximately 1,435 structures would be affected by the project implementation, with final enumeration currently in progress. He clarified that the DPR work commenced in January 2025, with Phase I completed by February 2026, after which it was formally submitted to the ADB for financial consideration.
The minister expressed optimism about securing ADB approval soon, noting that ADB officials have already visited the state three times to assess the project. He earnestly appealed to BRS legislators not to oppose what he described as a crucial development initiative for Hyderabad's environmental improvement.
BRS Concerns and Counterarguments
KT Rama Rao raised substantial concerns about what he perceived as inconsistencies in the government's statements. He pointed out that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had previously announced a budget of Rs 1.50 lakh crore for the Musi project, but current estimates suggest only Rs 5,000 crore would be required. "The ADB has informed an agency that it has not approved financial assistance," KTR stated, questioning the government's funding claims.
KTR further highlighted discrepancies in displacement figures, noting that earlier government notifications mentioned 14,000 affected structures, while current estimates suggest only 1,400. "Secondly, the government had earlier said it would take 18 months to prepare the DPR. How can it be ready now?" he questioned during the assembly session.
Despite these criticisms, KTR clarified that the BRS is not opposed to the beautification of the Musi River itself, but rather what he characterized as potential "loot" in the project's name. Dissatisfied with the government's responses, the BRS legislators ultimately staged a walkout from the assembly proceedings.
Government's Vision and Rehabilitation Plans
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka outlined the government's comprehensive vision for the Musi River project, emphasizing its environmental and social benefits. He explained that the primary objective is to clean the heavily polluted river, addressing unhygienic conditions faced by numerous residents living in catchment areas.
"Is the BRS preferring that the poor continue to live in such pathetic conditions along the riverbanks?" Bhatti questioned during the debate. He detailed the government's plan to transform these areas and prevent sewage from flowing directly into the river, thereby improving public health and environmental quality.
The Deputy CM announced substantial rehabilitation measures for affected families, including the provision of flats to every poor family that loses land due to the project. Additionally, the government plans to offer interest-free loans specifically to women from these communities to strengthen their economic independence and livelihood opportunities.
Historical Context and Previous Approaches
BRS MLA D Sudheer Reddy provided historical context about the Musi River project, recalling that the previous BRS government had initiated similar efforts without resorting to large-scale demolitions. He explained that under former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's administration, the approach focused on establishing sewage treatment plants along the river while explicitly instructing the Musi Corporation to avoid property demolitions.
"When KCR was the chief minister, he had instructed the Musi corporation not to demolish properties for the project and take up works only on vacant land," Sudheer Reddy stated, contrasting this approach with the current government's plans that involve significant displacement of structures.
The assembly debate highlighted fundamental differences in approach between the current Congress government and the previous BRS administration regarding urban river rejuvenation projects, with disagreements spanning financial transparency, implementation methodology, and social impact considerations.
