BRS party working president KTR has raised concerns about the proposed Musi River beautification project by the Congress government, highlighting a dramatic increase in project costs. Initially estimated at Rs. 50,000 crores, the project’s cost was later revised to Rs. 70,000 crores, and now, a staggering Rs. 1.5 lakh crores has been proposed.
KTR stated that the erstwhile Telangana government had already completed 100% sewerage treatment at a cost of Rs. 3,866 crores and planned the rejuvenation, beautification, and development of the Musi River at an estimated cost of Rs. 16,634 crores. This includes an expressway from ORR West (Manchirevula) to ORR East (Pratapa Singaram). He questioned the significant increase in project costs, raising doubts about the current government’s calculations and intentions.
While Congress criticized the Kaleshwaram Project, which transformed the fortunes of Telangana’s farmers and was completed at a cost of Rs. 80,000 crores, the proposed expenditure for the Musi River beautification, amounting to ₹1.5 lakh crores, has sparked debates and skepticism across the state.
KTR asked, “How many farmers will benefit from the Musi project? What is the storage capacity in TMCs?How many acres will come under irrigation? What will be the increase in crop yield? What industrial needs will be met? How many new large reservoirs will be constructed?”
KTR questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s preference for the Musi project over the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy project, which is in its final stages. He also raised concerns about the strategy behind transforming Musi into a river akin to London’s Thames, leaving other irrigation projects that could be completed with less budget and effort.
KTR alleges that the tripling of Musi’s estimated expenditure is evidence of financial mismanagement. He insisted that while the Musi project is necessary and should be completed promptly, corruption or misuse of funds will not be tolerated.
KTR said that Telangana society remains vigilant, monitoring the developments of the Musi Riverfront”l initiative. Any attempts to embezzle funds will be met with strong opposition.