HYDERABAD, OCT 18 :Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy clarified that the party is not opposed to the beautification and revival of the Musi River, but emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers the welfare of residents.

Speaking to the media after inaugurating a new sewerage line at Haritha Apartments, Andhra Café X Road, in Musheerabad Constituency on Friday, Reddy stressed the importance of developing the Musi River in a way that does not displace residents.

“We are in favour of constructing and developing a retaining wall on both sides of the Musi River. However, we request that houses built over the past 30-40 years in the Musi catchment areas should not be demolished. Demolishing homes of the poor in the name of beautification is not fair,” Reddy said. “Musi should be beautified, but in a way that does not cause undue suffering to the people.”

He also raised concerns about the poor drainage systems in various parts of Hyderabad, which are causing serious health and environmental problems.

“Due to inadequate drainage systems, sewage is mixing with fresh water pipelines in several areas, and people are suffering from diseases. During the rainy season, waterlogging becomes a significant issue. An efficient drainage system is crucial to accommodate the city’s growing population,” Reddy pointed out.

Reddy emphasized that the beautification of the Musi River cannot be achieved without simultaneously addressing the city’s drainage and sewage issues. “Revitalizing and developing the drainage system is essential for Musi’s beautification and other development activities in Hyderabad to proceed effectively,” he added.

He noted that approximately 30 percent of Telangana’s population resides in Hyderabad and called for an increased allocation of funds to improve the city’s infrastructure.

“To meet the demands of Hyderabad’s growing population, there is a need to increase funds for infrastructure development. Many problems have arisen due to the release of only partial funds to the GHMC and Metro Water Works Department,” Reddy explained.

He urged the government to allocate sufficient funds to the GHMC and Metro Water Works to provide essential civic facilities across the city. “Hyderabad is not just about the high-tech areas like Madhapur and Kondapur. There are other areas, such as Sanath Nagar, Khairatabad, and Gowlipura, where roads need repair and drainage systems need significant improvement,” he remarked.

Reddy highlighted that in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Division, nearly Rs. 50 lakh had been allocated to improve the drainage system in areas like Haritha Apartment Line and Valmikinagar, with work already underway.

He called on the government to focus on restoring the drainage system citywide and to provide a long-term solution to improve the underground pipelines in Hyderabad.