Hyderabad: The Musi rejuvenation project will bring long-term relief to nearly 40 lakh people affected by water pollution, Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said on Saturday.
He spoke to the media after inaugurating development works in Hayathnagar near Hyderabad.
According to the minister, the Musi rejuvenation project aims to improve environmental conditions and public health in several affected areas. For many years, polluted water sources have created serious problems for residents.
In particular, people in parts of Nalgonda district have faced severe health risks. Consequently, several villages have reported kidney diseases and other long-term illnesses linked to contaminated water.
Komatireddy therefore urged critics to examine the humanitarian side of the river restoration effort. He added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the initiative to protect both public health and the river ecosystem.
Musi rejuvenation project linked to public health and environment
The minister said the Musi rejuvenation project should be viewed alongside national river restoration efforts.
For example, the government launched major cleanup programmes for rivers such as the Ganga River and the Yamuna River. Similarly, Telangana aims to restore the Musi and improve water quality for nearby communities.
At the same time, Komatireddy acknowledged concerns about displacement. Around 10,000 families may face relocation because of the project.
However, the government plans to provide rehabilitation and alternative housing. As a result, officials aim to balance environmental restoration with social responsibility.
Road and transport projects announced in Hayathnagar
Earlier, the minister laid the foundation for widening the road from the Saibaba Temple at Thorrur X Roads to ZEE School in Hayathnagar.
The project will expand the road from two lanes to four lanes. Moreover, officials estimate the cost at ₹10 crore. Construction work will begin on Monday.
Komatireddy also announced plans for a double-decker corridor between LB Nagar and the Hayathnagar Radio Station.
The project may cost about ₹940 crore. The upper level will carry a Metro Rail line and a National Highway. Meanwhile, the lower level will include underpasses to ease local traffic movement.
The minister said the state government has already allocated ₹200 crore for the project. Consequently, authorities expect the corridor to accelerate growth in surrounding areas.
He added that regions such as Ibrahimpatnam and LB Nagar could see rapid development along the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway corridor.
In addition, officials are preparing to expand the Hyderabad–Vijayawada National Highway to ten lanes. The government expects to finalise tenders next month after central approvals.
Finally, Komatireddy urged opposition parties not to politicise development initiatives. Instead, he said the Musi rejuvenation project focuses on protecting public health while restoring the river environment.
