Published Mar 24, 2026 | 5:11 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 24, 2026 | 5:11 PM
Musi river in Hyderabad. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Facing criticism over the Musi riverfront project, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced a Cabinet Sub‑Committee to consult stakeholders and opposition. He assured residents of rehabilitation and housing upgrades, while defending the project as vital for Hyderabad’s growth. Environmental groups demand transparency, warning of ecological risks.
Under mounting criticism over plans to evict residents along the Musi riverbank for the ambitious riverfront project, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday, 23 March, shifted gears. He proposed the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to take a closer look at the contentious initiative.
Speaking in the Legislative Council, the CM said the panel will include his deputy Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Sridhar Babu. The mandate is straightforward — consult widely. Stakeholders, opposition parties and critics will all be heard. He urged them to submit their suggestions in writing, underscoring that the government is open to constructive input, but not to what he termed political grandstanding.
The move comes at a crucial time. The Musi project has rapidly turned into a political flashpoint. Opposition has raised concerns over the lack of clarity on rehabilitation and flagged environmental risks. Revanth Reddy, however, appears keen to shift the narrative—from confrontation to consultation—while firmly backing the project as central to Hyderabad’s long-term growth.
The government’s position is clear. With Hyderabad grappling with rising traffic congestion and pollution, it needs a structural reset. The Musi river—once the city’s lifeline—has now deteriorated into a polluted stretch, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity.
The plan extends beyond river cleaning. CM Reddy outlined an elevated corridor along the Musi, from Gandipet to Gowrelli, aimed at sharply reducing travel time. Coupled with riverfront development, the proposal could significantly reshape the city’s urban landscape—improving mobility, optimising land use and easing pressure on the urban core.
However, the concerns are substantial. Residents along the Musi banks fear displacement, and the anxiety is palpable. Opposition parties have magnified these apprehensions. Addressing these fears, Revanth Reddy assured that no family would be displaced without support. He promised proper rehabilitation, better housing and improved amenities, calling it an upgrade rather than a setback.
The assurance carries political weight. The CM is keen to avoid resistance that could derail the project later. Past infrastructure initiatives in Hyderabad and elsewhere in the state have left lingering grievances, particularly over delayed rehabilitation and inadequate compensation. The government now appears intent on avoiding those pitfalls by placing resettlement as the centre of its approach.
At the same time, the Chief Minister went on the offensive, accusing sections of the opposition of adopting a double standard. He noted that some leaders had supported similar proposals in the past but failed to implement them, and are now opposing the project for political reasons. He called on all parties to rise above partisan considerations and contribute to the city’s future.
Experts, however, remain cautious. Environmental groups, including the Musi Jan Andolan, have demanded greater transparency. They are raising critical questions on sewage treatment, flood management and ecological restoration. Urban policy analysts, too, warn that development must not come at the cost of equity, cautioning that poorly executed projects could deepen social divides.
All eyes are now on the proposed Cabinet Sub-Committee. If it functions as more than a procedural formality, it could play a decisive role in shaping the project’s final blueprint. More importantly, it offers a chance to ensure that the process remains transparent, inclusive and balanced—factors that could ultimately determine the project’s success or failure.
