Questions over Seoul trip as Musi, Korean projects have more differences than similarities

During the tour, the delegation will be visiting the Cheonggyecheon and study the riverfront development works taken up back in 2005. And this is exactly what raises questions. Both projects have more differences than similarities.

Hyderabad: Unmindful of the widespread criticism over the State government’s priorities in taking up the River Musi development project, a delegation of nearly 20 people, including elected public representatives from Congress is visiting Seoul, South Korea to study riverfront development.

During the tour, the delegation will be visiting the Cheonggyecheon and study the riverfront development works taken up back in 2005. And this is exactly what raises questions. Both projects have more differences than similarities.

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Unlike River Musi, Cheonggyecheon is a stream. While River Musi flows through nearly 250 kms, Cheonggyecheon covers about 13 kms and joins Jungnancheon, which connects to Han River and empties into the Yellow Sea.

What is more interesting about the Cheonggyecheon riverfront development project, there was no demolition of any houses or structures along the riverbed. On the contrary, several houses have already been demolished in different areas along the River Musi and the residents have been relocated to the double bedroom houses in Pillegudiselu, Chanchalguda and other areas.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy along with IT Minister D Sridhar Babu and senior officials had visited the Cheonggyecheon riverfront on August 13. Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy during a programme recently said a delegation of MLAs from all parties would be taken to Seoul to study the project.

Interestingly, the Cheonggyecheon riverfront project was taken up with a cost of nearly Rs.2,300 crore. Compare this with the Musi project. The State government wants to take up the River Musi rejuvenation project on a large scale and to this effect, an agreement has been signed with a consortium of five companies, including Meinhardt, with Rs.141 crore for preparing a detailed project report. Not to mention about the frequently changing statements by the Chief Minister over the estimated project cost.

The Cheonggyecheon riverfront project commenced in 2003 and was completed in 2005. Before taking up the project, a flyover that was constructed over the stream was demolished as the pillars were sinking and alternate roads were constructed in different areas to avoid traffic issues. More importantly, sewerage treatment plants were established at several places to arrest the flow of murky water and ensure flow of treated water into the stream. Under the beautification works, aesthetic streetlights and other amenities were provided for visitors.