Telangana Minister Announces Musi River Rejuvenation to Aid 40 Lakh People
In a significant development aimed at addressing public health crises, Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy declared on Saturday that the proposed Musi rejuvenation project will bring long-term relief to nearly 40 lakh residents in Nalgonda district and surrounding areas. The initiative is set to combat the severe health issues caused by polluted waters, which have plagued the region for years.
Addressing Health Concerns from Contaminated Water
Speaking to the media after launching development works at Hayathnagar, Minister Komatireddy highlighted the dire situation faced by communities, particularly in Nalgonda. He emphasized that many residents have been battling serious ailments, including kidney problems and cancer, due to the contaminated water supply. "Nearly 40 lakh people are suffering because of polluted waters. The hardships of these people must be understood with compassion," he stated, urging critics to view the issue with humanity.
The minister defended the project by drawing parallels to national initiatives like the cleaning of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. He questioned why similar efforts to restore the Musi should face opposition, noting that while about 10,000 families may be affected in and around the riverbed, the government is committed to providing proper rehabilitation and alternative arrangements for them.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Road Development
Earlier in the day, Komatireddy laid the foundation stone for road widening from Thorrur Crossroads to Hayathnagar, upgrading the stretch from two lanes to four lanes at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. The works are scheduled to commence on Monday. He explained that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to address rising traffic and meet the needs of fast-growing suburban areas, where many from rural regions have settled for education and employment.
In a major announcement, the minister revealed plans for a double-decker corridor from LB Nagar to Hayathnagar Radio Station, with an estimated cost of around Rs 940 crore. The government has already agreed to contribute Rs 200 crore towards this project. "The corridor will have a Metro rail line and national highway on the upper and middle decks, respectively, while the ground level will have vehicle underpasses to facilitate safe local traffic movement," he detailed.
This infrastructure push is expected to spur rapid growth in areas such as Hayathnagar, Ibrahimpatnam, and LB Nagar along the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway, mirroring the demand seen in Kokapet. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand the Hyderabad–Vijayawada NH to 10 lanes, with tenders likely to be finalized next month after receiving necessary approvals from the Centre.
Government's Focus on Development and Public Welfare
Komatireddy credited Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for spearheading the Musi rejuvenation project, asserting that it will benefit future generations. He appealed to opposition parties not to politicize development initiatives, reaffirming that development and public welfare remain the government's core agenda. With these projects, Greater Hyderabad is poised for major infrastructure growth, including high-speed rail connectivity linking cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune.
