Congress Govt Enhanced Hyderabad’s Brand image, Says Revanth
He urged the public to reflect on the condition of the city before HYDRAA’s establishment and compare it with the improved situation today
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stated on Friday that the Congress government has enhanced Hyderabad's brand image over the last 20 months by positioning it as a safe, clean, and green metropolis.
Delivering his Independence Day address from the historic Golconda Fort on Friday, the Chief Minister outlined his government's vision further to elevate Hyderabad's status on the global stage.
"Our strength is Hyderabad, and our brand is Hyderabad on the world stage," Revanth declared. "We resolved to strengthen this brand and make the city a model of sustainability and safety."
A focal point of his speech was the introduction of HYDRAA, aimed at curbing the rampant encroachment of lakes and government lands in Hyderabad. Referring to the devastating floods of 1908 — which led to the construction of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar — the Chief Minister stressed that Hyderabad cannot afford to face similar challenges.
"Today, cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai are grappling with flood-related issues. We must ensure Hyderabad does not suffer the same fate," he said.
"HYDRAA was established to safeguard vital water bodies and green spaces that had previously been encroached upon. Within a year of its formation, HYDRAA has already made significant progress, protecting 13 parks, 20 lakes, and government lands worth `30,000 crore in Hyderabad."
Revanth Reddy criticised opposition parties, stating: "The opposition is using HYDRAA as a political tool, attempting to create unrest by misrepresenting its efforts. Leaders who want the city to remain flood-prone and see the poor suffer during heavy rains are opposing HYDRAA."
He urged the public to reflect on the condition of the city before HYDRAA’s establishment and compare it with the improved situation today.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Hyderabad’s role as an international hub, noting several prestigious events hosted in the city during the Congress regime.
"Hyderabad has hosted the 72nd Miss World pageant, the World Global AI Conference, the Global Rice Summit, and the BioAsia conference," he said. These events, he noted, showcased the city’s cultural heritage, technological strengths, and global standing.
He further announced that the Telangana government was preparing to unveil a master plan, Telangana Rising-2047, which will focus on sustainable development, environmental rejuvenation, and infrastructure enhancement.
Revanth Reddy also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Hyderabad’s flooding issues through a major Musi River Rejuvenation Project, which will be a cornerstone of the Telangana Rising vision. "This project will offer a permanent solution to our city's flooding problems and is part of our broader agenda to transform Hyderabad into a clean, beautiful city," he said.
In terms of future development, the vision document outlines ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Gandhi Sarovar project at Bapu Ghat, Metro Rail Phase II, the Regional Ring Road, and industrial corridors linking key cities in neighbouring states.
The Chief Minister also spoke of plans for the creation of Bharat Future City on the city’s outskirts, designed to international standards, which would serve as a gateway to global innovation and modern urban living.
On healthcare, the Chief Minister announced the restoration of Osmania General Hospital, which has been a cornerstone of medical care for the poor for over a century. The hospital will undergo a massive upgrade with a new state-of-the-art building on a 27-acre site, with funding of `2,700 crore. "We are restoring this hospital to ensure it continues to serve the people of Hyderabad for generations to come," he said.
