Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addressed the ongoing debates surrounding the Musi Riverfront Development Project (MRDP) and the HYDRA initiative, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and public welfare.
The Chief Minister refuted allegations from former ministers, particularly from the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi), regarding the Musi project’s costs and implications. ‘The opposition’s claim of a Rs 1.5 lakh crore project cost is baseless. This isn’t Kaleshwaram, where funds were allegedly misused,’ Mr. Reddy remarked, referring to past controversies under BRS governance.
Addressing concerns about the project’s consultant, Meinhardt, linked to international projects like the Statue of Unity, CM Revanth dismissed attempts to stir communal sentiments, branding them as baseless and politically motivated. He stressed the project’s consultants’ credentials and their role in ensuring feasibility and efficiency.
CM Revanth affirmed that the government would submit a detailed project report within 18 months, ensuring all stakeholders, including MPs from relevant constituencies, would have their voices heard through special enclosures in the assembly if necessary.
The press meet also saw CM Revanth defending the government’s approach to rehabilitation, promising land and housing to those displaced by the project. ‘We’re not just developing a riverfront; we’re uplifting lives,’ he added, critiquing the opposition.
The Chief Minister touched upon the broader implications of the HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection) initiative, aimed at safeguarding Hyderabad from natural disasters and managing urban expansion responsibly. ‘These projects are not for political mileage but to ensure the safety and health of Hyderabad’s citizens for future generations,’ he declared.
CM Revanth invited suggestions from all political parties and the public for the MRDP, indicating a readiness to convene a special Assembly session for an in-depth discussion on the project’s implications. ‘This isn’t just a development project; it’s about transforming the lives of those around Musi,’ Mr. Reddy said, challenging the opposition to engage constructively rather than criticize from the sidelines.