Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday appealed to the poor living in the periphery and buffer zones of the Musi River and other water bodies in the city to cooperate with the govt in completing the Musi rejuvenation project and protect other water bodies, primarily to save their lives, property, and household items, including educational certificates, which have been washed away in floods caused by cloudbursts linked to climate change.“Due to drastic climate changes, especially after Covid-19, not only Hyderabad and Telangana, but also states in North India are experiencing 40 to 50 cm of rainfall within just one or two hours due to cloudbursts. The existing infrastructure developed by successive govts can withstand heavy rainfall of 2 cm in 24 hours, but Hyderabad is receiving even 40 cm of rain in an hour, flooding low-lying areas and wreaking havoc on people’s lives. You all saw how floods in the Musi caused widespread damage over the last two days, with even the MGBS bus station submerged,” the CM said.He was addressing a large gathering in Amberpet after inaugurating the revived Bathukamma Kunta and six sewage treatment plants (STPs) set up at a cost of 539 crore. The CM also laid foundation stones for the construction of another 39 STPs at a cost of 3,849 crore at various locations across the city.“We anticipated that climate change would lead to intense rainfall over short periods and planned accordingly. When we introduced HYDRAA, many did not understand its purpose, and several vested interests criticised and accused the govt, primarily to protect lands they had encroached upon. Now, the majority have realised its significance. We urge you to cooperate with the govt to remove encroachments and protect lives and belongings,” Revanth said.He noted that after the floods in 1908 had killed thousands, the then Nizam invited experts from around the world to construct Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, and the Musi flood management zone to prevent future flooding. However, over time, the Musi has become a cesspool of pollution and toxic waste and now requires urgent rejuvenation, he said.“Listen to me. I say this from my heart during the auspicious celebrations of Bathukamma and Vijaya Dasami. I understand the pain of the poor. I have seen poverty and its struggles with my own eyes in my native village. We will save you and provide a permanent solution as part of the protection and rehabilitation packages for the Musi and other water bodies. Do not fall prey to land sharks by buying govt land illegally. This is a people’s govt, and we will help and do justice to you,” he said.Film actor Nagarjuna’s N-Convention was demolished because it encroached on portions of a water body. “Nagarjuna recognised the truth and later voluntarily came forward to hand over two acres of land to the govt. We appreciate such gestures but will not spare land sharks,” Revanth said. He also agreed to name the revived Bathukamma Kunta after Congress veteran V Hanumanth Rao, who fought tirelessly for its revival as a lifelong ambition. Amberpet MLA from BRS, Kaleru Venkatesh, proposed naming the Kunta after VHR and submitted a list of development works needed in the constituency, including Indiramma houses for families displaced by the Musi project. A mini-secretariat will be constructed in Amberpet, bringing many govt offices under one roof, the CM added.Revanth also appealed to all MLAs in the city to set aside party differences, as Kaleru did, and submit development plans for their constituencies. Kaleru’s list will be approved, and funds released by December 9 after the city’s in-charge minister holds discussions with him and enumerates the project-affected people, Revanth said.
