Former minister T Harish Rao urges Congress govt to clarify Musi project plans and stop demolitions

HYDERABAD: Former minister T Harish Rao asked the Congress govt to spell out its plans for the proposed Rs 1.50 lakh crore Musi project and stop the demolitions in the name of Musi beautification, even without submitting the detailed project report (DPR).He alleged that the state govt is functioning in a confused and arbitrary manner. At different times, the project is described as Musi beautification, Musi purification, and Musi rejuvenation, without any clarity on the actual objective, Harish Rao said.Speaking at a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Friday, Harish Rao said the BRS never opposed the revival or cleaning of the Musi river. However, he said the party strongly opposes what he described as “looting in the name of Musi beautification” and the demolition of houses that is rendering thousands of poor families homeless.

“The govt’s gazette notification says 10,017 structures across 3,279 acres are proposed to be demolished along the Musi river. This could affect nearly 1 lakh people, raising serious concerns. Instead of first stopping sewage inflow into the Musi and building adequate treatment systems, the govt is bulldozing residential areas and demolishing houses,” the BRS deputy floor leader said.Harish Rao also questioned the govt’s claim that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sanctioned ₹4,100 crore for the Musi project, pointing out that official communications from ADB indicate that the DPR is not yet submitted and the loan is not approved.

The BRS leader recalled that it was the BRS govt under K Chandrasekhar Rao that first initiated plans to rejuvenate the Musi river. The govt proposed 32 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore and also prepared plans to bring Godavari water into the Musi to improve water flow and cleaning.He said the govt repeatedly claims that the state treasury is empty when farmers demand Rythu Bharosa, students seek fee reimbursement, and retired employees demand pension benefits.

At the same time, the govt is proposing a ₹1.5 lakh crore Musi project while spending huge amounts on events, advertisements, and luxury facilities.He warned that if the govt misled the Assembly on this matter, the BRS will move a privilege motion.He also questioned the BJP, asking whether the party supports what he described as “real estate exploitation in the name of Musi” after reports that Union minister Rajnath Singh may be invited for the project’s foundation ceremony. Harish Rao asked Union minister Kishan Reddy to clarify whether the BJP supports the demolitions taking place along the Musi river.