Harish Rao Condemns Congress Government's Handling of Musi River Project
In a sharp critique, former minister T Harish Rao has called on the Congress government in Telangana to immediately disclose its detailed plans for the proposed Rs 1.50 lakh crore Musi project. He demanded an immediate cessation of demolitions being carried out under the guise of Musi beautification, highlighting that these actions are proceeding even without the submission of a detailed project report (DPR).
Allegations of Confusion and Arbitrary Actions
Harish Rao accused the state government of operating in a confused and arbitrary manner. He pointed out that the project has been inconsistently labeled as Musi beautification, purification, and rejuvenation at different times, with no clear definition of its actual objectives. This lack of transparency, he argued, is causing widespread uncertainty and distress among the public.
Impact on Poor Families and Housing Demolitions
Speaking at a press conference held at Telangana Bhavan on Friday, Harish Rao emphasized that the BRS party has never opposed the revival or cleaning of the Musi river. However, he strongly condemned what he described as "looting in the name of Musi beautification" and the demolition of houses, which is leaving thousands of poor families homeless.
He cited a government gazette notification indicating that 10,017 structures across 3,279 acres are slated for demolition along the Musi river. This could potentially affect nearly 1 lakh people, raising serious humanitarian concerns. Instead of prioritizing the stoppage of sewage inflow into the river and constructing adequate treatment systems, the government is focusing on bulldozing residential areas, he lamented.
Questioning ADB Funding and Project Claims
Harish Rao also challenged the government's assertion that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned ₹4,100 crore for the Musi project. He referenced official communications from ADB, which indicate that the DPR has not yet been submitted and the loan approval is pending. This discrepancy, he argued, undermines the credibility of the government's financial claims for the project.
The BRS leader recalled that it was the previous BRS government under K Chandrasekhar Rao that first initiated plans to rejuvenate the Musi river. That administration had proposed 32 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore and developed plans to divert Godavari water into the Musi to enhance water flow and cleanliness.
Criticism of Financial Priorities and Warnings
Harish Rao criticized the government for claiming an empty state treasury when addressing demands from farmers for Rythu Bharosa, students for fee reimbursement, and retired employees for pension benefits. Simultaneously, he noted, the government is proposing a massive ₹1.5 lakh crore Musi project while allocating substantial funds for events, advertisements, and luxury facilities.
He issued a stern warning, stating that if the government misleads the Assembly on this matter, the BRS will move a privilege motion to hold it accountable.
Calling Out BJP's Stance
Harish Rao also directed questions at the BJP, inquiring whether the party supports what he termed "real estate exploitation in the name of Musi". This query followed reports that Union minister Rajnath Singh might be invited for the project's foundation ceremony. He urged Union minister Kishan Reddy to clarify the BJP's position on the demolitions occurring along the Musi river.
