CM Revanth Reddy Reaffirms Commitment to Musi River Project, Calls for Collaboration and Compensation Amid Protests

*October 3, 2024 – Hyderabad* Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reiterated his government’s commitment to the Musi River Project, despite growing protests and political complications. Addressing the media, Reddy made it clear that there would be no turning back on the initiative, which aims to revitalize the long-neglected river and remove encroachments along its banks.In a direct challenge to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party, Reddy called for them to contribute ₹500 crore from their ₹1,500 crore party fund towards the Musi Riverfront project. He proposed a joint effort to secure additional funding, stating, “Along with Eatala Rajender, let’s go to Modi and ask for ₹25,000 crore for the Musi river.”R extended an invitation to prominent BRS leaders K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and Harish Rao, urging them to engage in discussions on the project. “Let’s sit for four days in the secretariat and discuss the Musi project,” he said, offering to hold an all-party meeting to explore suggestions and alternatives for compensating those who will be displaced by the project.Acknowledging the anger among the people affected, Reddy said, “I know people are angry and scolding, but this is for the future.” He stressed that his government is not bankrupt despite the state’s debt of ₹7.5 lakh crore and assured residents that they would be compensated for their lands.As part of the relocation plan, the CM announced that 1,000 acres in Jawahar Nagar have been earmarked, where Indiramma houses will be provided to the displaced residents from Musi and the buffer zone.Reddy also criticized the BRS for allegedly orchestrating protests to protect the interests of party leaders and their families, accusing them of trying to safeguard their farmhouses located along the river. He singled out KTR, Harish Rao, Sabita Indra Reddy, and K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao as beneficiaries of encroachments, claiming that the protests were politically motivated to protect their properties. “BRS is hiring people for money to protest,” Reddy alleged.The Chief Minister underscored the urgent need to move forward with the project, saying, “Someone has to save Musi.” He further accused the BRS of neglecting Nalgonda, stating, “BRS wants Nalgonda to suffer as they didn’t get votes.”