Musi project will continue, says Revanth Reddy

Admitting that some residents were against the project, the Chief Minister said opposition parties were indulging in "dirty politics by exploiting the sentiments of the poor".

Hyderabad: Despite the backlash from different sections and political implications over the Musi riverfront development project, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday reiterated that the project was being taken up with a novel intention and slammed the opposition parties for instigating people to stall the project.

Admitting that some residents were against the project, the Chief Minister said opposition parties were indulging in “dirty politics by exploiting the sentiments of the poor”.

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Alleging that the BRS was hiring people to enact dramas and stage protests, he said cleaning and conserving Musi was essential to address pollution.

Speaking at the launch of a digital health cards pilot project programme here, he defended the government’s decision vehemently and insisted that he would go ahead with the project.

“This project is not being taken up with any political benefits but for Hyderabad’s future. Agriculture fields in Nalgonda and neighbouring areas are getting polluted due to the flow of murky (dirty) water in the river,” Revanth Reddy said, adding that the government had sanctioned 15,000 two-bedroom houses for Musi riverbed oustees, besides extending the families an assistance of Rs.25,000 each.

Slamming the BRS, the Chief Minister charged that former Ministers KT Rama Rao, T Harish Rao and Sabitha Indra Reddy were doing politics in the name of the poor to save their illegally-built farmhouses.

Alleging that the BRS had amassed Rs.1500 crore while in power, he said the party should contribute Rs.500 crore for River Musi oustees.

Attacking the BJP as well, the Chief Minister asked when Sabarmati Riverfront project could be taken up, why should the Musi project not be taken up here. He also asked BJP MP Etala Rajender to lead a delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and get houses sanctioned for the River Musi oustees apart from getting Rs.25,000 crore sanctioned for the project.

“We will call for an all-party meeting to discuss the Musi project. The government is open to suggestions to provide better alternatives to the affected people,” he said, adding that there was 1000 acres of land in Jawahar Nagar and Indiramma houses would be given to people relocated from the Musi riverbed.