Hyderabad witnessed a significant intervention in the state assembly on Friday as AIMIM legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi launched a series of pointed questions at the government regarding the ongoing efforts to clean the heavily polluted Musi River. The MLA sought detailed clarifications on the project's scope, its environmental impact, and the protection of heritage sites along the river's course.
Demand for Transparency in Cleanup Process
During the second day of the assembly session, Akbaruddin Owaisi directly questioned whether a comprehensive scientific study is being conducted at various stages of the Musi cleaning process. He highlighted that officials have claimed the cleaning efforts span 55 kilometres, stretching from Osman Sagar to Bapu Ghat. The MLA demanded greater transparency, asking for specifics on the number of protected lands and private properties located in the areas where the cleaning work is currently underway.
Owaisi also turned his attention to the city's water reservoirs, seeking details on how Godavari river water is being supplied to the crucial Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar lakes. He further pressed the government to reveal the number of encroachments present in the catchment areas of these reservoirs, which are vital for Hyderabad's water security.
Alarming Pollution Levels and Heritage Concerns
Raising a grave environmental alarm, the AIMIM leader underscored that the Musi River ranks as the eighth most polluted river in the world. He expressed deep concern that both the Musi and the Esa rivers have ceased to function as natural waterways and have effectively been transformed into sewage channels. "All of the city's sewage flows into the Musi river," Owaisi stated, warning that this contamination is also adversely affecting the Gandipet reservoir.
Emphasizing the need to preserve Hyderabad's historical identity, Akbaruddin Owaisi stressed, "There is a need to protect heritage structures." He specifically inquired about the status of the pedestrian project initiated three years ago at the iconic Charminar, linking urban development with cultural preservation.
Calls for Increased Reservoir Capacity and Water Diversion
Proposing a long-term solution to the water crisis, the MLA urged the government to undertake desilting of the decades-old Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs to significantly increase their storage capacity. He argued that enhancing this capacity would create a viable opportunity to divert Godavari river water to these lakes, bolstering the city's water reserves.
Furthermore, Akbaruddin Owaisi sought clear clarification on the defined catchment areas of both Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, pointing out that protecting these zones is fundamental to ensuring the success of any river rejuvenation and water conservation project. His queries collectively painted a picture of a demand for a more holistic, studied, and transparent approach to tackling Hyderabad's critical water pollution and supply challenges.
