Hyderabad, September 9 — Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has officially launched an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the Musi River, a lifeline of Hyderabad that has been plagued by decades of pollution and encroachment. The project, pegged at ₹7,360 crore, aims to not only clean and restore the river but also ensure a sustainable drinking water supply to Hyderabad, one of India’s fastest-growing urban centers.
At the core of this revival effort is the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), one of the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation systems. Under the new plan, 20 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water will be drawn from the Kaleshwaram reservoirs to meet Hyderabad’s drinking water demands and to flush the polluted Musi River, effectively reducing toxic levels and improving water quality.
A Historic Step Towards Urban Water Security
The rejuvenation project comes at a time when Hyderabad has been grappling with heavy monsoon rains and an aging urban water infrastructure. Officials believe that supplementing the Musi with fresh water will help prevent flooding during heavy rains and create a natural drainage system for the city. The project will also focus on building sewage treatment plants (STPs), riverbank beautification, and relocation of illegal encroachments, turning the riverfront into a public-friendly urban space.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, while laying the foundation stone, said, “The Musi River is not just a water body but a symbol of Hyderabad’s heritage. This project is about restoring dignity to the river and ensuring safe drinking water for generations to come.”
Kaleshwaram Project Under CBI Lens
However, the revival plan comes amid intense political controversy. The KLIP, which was initiated by the previous Telangana government led by the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi), is currently under Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scrutiny. Allegations of irregularities, cost escalations, and construction flaws have plagued the project since its inception.
The CBI is investigating multiple contracts awarded under KLIP, with reports suggesting that certain barrages and pump houses were structurally compromised due to rushed construction. Critics have warned that these flaws could lead to massive long-term losses, both financially and environmentally.
Ironically, the current Congress-led government, which was highly critical of KLIP during the election campaign, is now relying on the same infrastructure to support its Musi River revival vision. This has prompted accusations of political hypocrisy, with opposition leaders questioning why the Congress is proceeding with a project it once condemned.
Political Reactions and Public Response
Political reactions to the Musi revival initiative have been swift and polarized. BRS leaders argue that the Congress government is taking credit for a project built on their groundwork while simultaneously discrediting their efforts through the CBI probe. BJP leaders, on the other hand, have demanded a white paper on KLIP’s finances, insisting on full transparency before further public funds are committed.
Public opinion remains cautiously optimistic. Environmental activists have welcomed the move to clean the Musi, citing the river’s critical role in Hyderabad’s ecology and flood control. However, they have urged the government to focus on long-term solutions such as strict industrial waste management and sustainable urban planning rather than short-term beautification measures.
The Road Ahead
The success of the Musi River rejuvenation project will hinge on multiple factors: the outcome of the ongoing CBI investigations, the government’s ability to secure uninterrupted water supply from KLIP, and the timely execution of sewage treatment and riverbank restoration works.
Urban planners see this as an opportunity to transform Hyderabad into a model smart city, with the Musi serving as a central green corridor for recreation, tourism, and ecological balance. If implemented effectively, the project could become a blueprint for urban river restoration across India.
As Hyderabad awaits tangible progress, one thing is clear — the Musi River, once a polluted and neglected waterway, is now at the center of a high-stakes battle involving politics, environment, and the future of one of India’s most dynamic cities.