In response to recent claims, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka addressed the press on October 7, 2024, to clarify the state’s stance on the Musi River rejuvenation project. At the press conference held at the Secretariat, Vikramarka dismissed accusations that the Telangana government had earmarked a staggering ₹1.5 lakh crore for the initiative. He emphasized that these figures were speculative, as the actual cost of the project would only be determined after the detailed project report (DPR) is prepared.
Key Takeaways from the Press Conference
No Fixed Project Cost Yet: Contrary to reports suggesting that ₹1.5 lakh crore has been allocated for the rejuvenation of the Musi River, Vikramarka made it clear that no such sum has been confirmed. He stated that the government has not yet finalized the cost of the project, as a DPR is still in progress. “The cost of the project will be ascertained on the basis of the DPR,” the Deputy CM said, dispelling rumors of an inflated project budget.
Tenders for Consultancy: The Telangana government has initiated the process of inviting tenders to finalize a consultancy firm that will conduct a comprehensive study of the Musi River rejuvenation project. The consultancy will be responsible for evaluating various aspects of the project, including environmental impact, technical feasibility, and long-term sustainability. Only after these assessments will the DPR be finalized, which will provide a clearer picture of the project’s scope and associated costs.
Musi River Rejuvenation Project: The Musi River rejuvenation project is part of Telangana’s broader initiative to restore water bodies and improve environmental sustainability. The project, which has been a point of political discussion and debate, aims to clean up and restore the Musi River, which has suffered from years of pollution and neglect. However, the large-scale infrastructure and environmental interventions required have made the project a complex one, necessitating expert input.
Political Criticism: The claim of a ₹1.5 lakh crore allocation for the project has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Telangana government of overspending. However, Vikramarka’s clarification seeks to reassure the public that the government is still in the planning stages and has not yet committed to any particular financial outlay. He emphasized that the cost would only be determined once the DPR is complete and tenders are called for project execution.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability: Vikramarka stressed that the Telangana government is committed to transparency in the implementation of the Musi River rejuvenation project. By involving a third-party consultancy to conduct the study and prepare the DPR, the government aims to ensure that the project is executed efficiently, with careful consideration of both financial and environmental factors.
Importance of the Musi River: The rejuvenation of the Musi River holds significant importance for the city of Hyderabad and its surrounding areas. Once a lifeline for the region, the river has become heavily polluted due to urbanization and industrial waste. Restoring the river to its former glory is expected to have a positive impact on the local ecosystem, as well as improve the quality of life for residents living along its banks.
Ongoing Environmental Efforts: The Telangana government has been actively working on various environmental initiatives aimed at restoring water bodies, increasing green cover, and promoting sustainable development. The Musi River rejuvenation project is seen as a critical component of these efforts, with the potential to become a model for urban river restoration across India.
Conclusion
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka’s clarification highlights that the Musi River rejuvenation project is still in its preliminary stages, with the cost yet to be determined based on the DPR. The government has initiated the process of selecting a consultancy to study the project and finalize the report. While the ₹1.5 lakh crore figure has been dismissed as speculation, the project remains a crucial element of Telangana’s broader environmental sustainability goals. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be key as the project moves forward, and the final cost will only be known once all assessments are complete.
