CM Revanth Reddy vows rehabilitation of residents in Musi river catchment areas

Rehabilitating the poor living in vulnerable Musi catchment areas would be the government’s top priority in Amberpet, said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday, adding that plans for the river’s revival are under way.

Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet, he directed Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to conduct a field visit and prepare proposals for families affected by recurrent flooding. “When it rains, colonies in the Musi catchment are submerged within an hour. We must plan development that can withstand such natural disasters,” he said, emphasising that the issue must be tackled beyond political considerations.

The Chief Minister underlined that Musi, once the lifeline of Hyderabad, had now turned into a cesspool. “The government is committed to freeing water bodies from encroachments, widening canals and reviving the river. We should come together for the revival of Musi,” he said.

He also cautioned the poor against falling prey to “deceptive land deals” in the city, stressing that his government would not allow people to suffer on account of illegal sale.

Mr. Reddy also offered prayers to Goddess Ganga and released Bathukammas into the renovated Kunta as part of the ceremony. He recalled the efforts of senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao, who had long campaigned for the protection of Bathukamma Kunta, and announced that the place would be named after him, following a proposal from local MLA Kaleru Venkatesh.

Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency Commissioner A.V. Ranganath described the occasion as a historic moment for Hyderabad, noting that it was after 35 years that the city had come together to witness the restoration of the Bathukamma Kunta lake. “The reconstruction of this lake was not easy. It required tremendous effort, coordination and dedication. Its successful completion proves that with determination and collective support, even the most challenging goals can be achieved,” he said.

Calling Bathukamma Kunta more than just a water body, A.V. Ranganath said it stood as a symbol of culture, heritage and community spirit. “Its revival will not only serve the environment but also enrich the lives of people, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier and more vibrant Hyderabad,” he added.