Telangana Assembly Witnesses Key Bills, Heated Debate and Walkouts

In a dramatic turn of events in the Telangana Assembly, BRS MLAs walked out during proceedings after they were not allowed to respond to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s speech.

The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the government has conducted an in-depth study on beautification and development of river catchment areas by examining global models in London, Japan, Germany, South Korea and Singapore. He said several world-class cities have protected their river corridors and transformed them into major commercial hubs, strengthening their economies in the process.

The Chief Minister noted that countries across the world are competing to boost their economies through riverfront-led urban development. Citing Indian examples, he said nearly 60,000 families were relocated for the Sabarmati Riverfront development in Gujarat, while in Uttar Pradesh, the Ganga river was rejuvenated and riverfronts were developed.

He alleged that the BJP has turned riverfront development into an election agenda, but pointed out that in states governed by the party, river rejuvenation projects are not being opposed. He said the Telangana government is only seeking viable alternatives for people displaced from river catchment areas.

Recalling history, the Chief Minister said the Nizams had developed river catchment areas as commercial centres and shaped Hyderabad to compete with global cities. He alleged that the development carried out during the Nizam era was later neglected, leading to pollution of rivers.

He added that the government is now planning infrastructure development, including an elevated corridor from Gandipet to Gaurrelli, as part of the Musi river rejuvenation and riverfront development project.

CM Revanth Reddy Announces 55-km Musi Riverfront Development

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy alleged that opposition leaders are spreading “poison” against the government and misleading people over the Musi River rejuvenation project. He said the opposition has “filled their stomachs with poison” and is resorting to baseless allegations.

The Chief Minister announced that the Musi Riverfront Development will be taken up over a stretch of 55 kilometres. He said Godavari waters will be brought to Gandipet within two years, and clarity on the first phase of the project will be given by Sankranti. In the first phase, the river rejuvenation works will be carried out from Gandipet to Gaurrelli.

Responding to allegations, CM Revanth Reddy said some opposition leaders are branding him as a “real estate broker,” adding that real estate development has, in fact, contributed to the city’s growth. He questioned the opposition’s stand and asked whether they want Musi rejuvenation or not.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to providing housing for the poor living in the Musi catchment area, but alleged that opposition leaders are obstructing these efforts. He challenged them to clarify whether people can continue to live safely in the Musi riverbed and flood-prone areas.

Musi River Originates in Ananthagiri, Joins Krishna at Wadapally: Telangana CM

Telangana Chief Minister stated that the Musi River originates in the Ananthagiri hills and flows for nearly 240 kilometres before merging with the Krishna River at Wadapally. He explained that the Esi River joins the Musi upstream of Himayatsagar, and a Bapu Ghat has been developed at the confluence of the two rivers.

The Chief Minister said that Himayatsagar was built on the Esi River, while the Osmansagar project was constructed on the Musi River. Both rivers meet near Langer House at Bapu Ghat. He noted that from the Kakatiya period to the Nizam era, major projects were taken up within the river catchment areas.

Highlighting history, the CM said the Osmansagar project was undertaken in 1908 to protect Hyderabad from floods, and by 1922, both the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar projects were completed. These projects, built during the Nizam rule, continue to quench the thirst of the city’s residents even today.

He expressed concern that in the past, there were no serious efforts to protect water resources. Instead, he said, water bodies were polluted, encroachments were allowed, and farmhouses were constructed in river catchment areas.

CM Revanth: Strict Measures Taken to Protect Musi River

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said that his government has taken a firm stand against irregularities after assuming office, particularly in matters related to the Musi River. Responding to members’ suggestions during a discussion on Musi rejuvenation in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government would carefully consider all constructive inputs given by legislators.

He stated that most constructions have come up within the river’s catchment areas and pointed out that renowned engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya had long ago provided solutions to flood-related issues. Revanth Reddy also noted that Hyderabad continues to receive drinking water through projects built during the Nizam’s era.

The Chief Minister said development activities are being taken up within the river basin areas in a planned manner. He alleged that drainage lines from farmhouses were illegally connected to Gandipet in the past, adding that his government has taken strict action against such practices after coming to power.

Revanth Tables Assembly BAC Decisions in the House

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy tabled the decisions taken by the Assembly Business Advisory Committee (BAC) in the House. As per the BAC’s resolution, the Speaker will finalise the number of working days for the ongoing Assembly session.

The BAC also decided that various issues submitted by different political parties would be taken up for short-duration discussions during the session. The Chief Minister placed these decisions before the House to facilitate smooth conduct of Assembly proceedings and structured debates on key public issues.

Akbaruddin Owaisi Seeks Clarity on Musi Project

AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi raised sharp questions in the Assembly over the Musi River rejuvenation project, alleging lack of clarity and transparency from the state government. Questioning the very basis of the project, he asked, “What is the connection between the Musi and Mir Alam?” and criticised the practice of clubbing two or three unrelated issues together.

Owaisi accused Assembly officials of not discharging their duties properly and urged the House to take the matter seriously, stating that the government has been “wasting time in the name of Musi for the past two years.” He sought clear answers on when the Musi project would actually begin and demanded details on the river’s exact stretch — from where to where it flows.

Stating that, to his knowledge, the Musi originates from Ananthagiri, Owaisi questioned whether the government plans to take up the project starting from Ananthagiri or not. He also sought details on how much private land falls within the Musi river limits.

Raising concerns over water management, the AIMIM MLA questioned how Godavari water would be brought into Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, and demanded that the government disclose the exact catchment areas of both reservoirs. He further alleged that during the previous instance, gates of Himayat and Osman Sagar were opened without necessity.

Pointing out that rainwater naturally flows into the two reservoirs, Owaisi questioned the logic of diverting Godavari water into them. He said he had heard that the Musi project extends up to Babu Ghat but alleged that the government has failed to share comprehensive project details with the House.

Harish Rao Questions Musi Rejuvenation Costs, Demolitions; Warns of BRS Protest

BRS MLA Harish Rao questioned the state government in the Assembly on the expenditure being incurred on Musi river rejuvenation project. He sought details on how many houses have been demolished under the Musi project and how much rehabilitation has been provided so far to the affected families.

Harish Rao also asked whether Godavari water is being brought to the Musi from Mallanna Sagar or not, and whether the government is aware of allegations that gates were deliberately lifted during the recent floods.

He warned that the BRS would launch a protest if poor people’s houses are demolished in the name of Musi beautification. Pointing out that vacant lands are available along the Musi, he said development should be taken up in those areas instead of displacing the poor.

Discussion on the rejuvenation of the Musi River is underway in the Assembly.

Arrangements are being made to pump water into Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, Minister Sridhar Babu informed the Assembly. He said Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will be prepared soon. An in-depth study will be conducted from Himayat Sagar to Bapughat as part of the Musi rejuvenation plan. The government, he asserted, is committed to the cleansing and rejuvenation of the Musi River.

The Telangana Assembly’s Winter Session commenced on Friday amid protests by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) over the alleged shortage of urea in the State. BRS members moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the issue, claiming that farmers were facing serious difficulties due to inadequate supply.

Taking strong exception to the protest, Assembly Affairs Minister Sridhar Babu expressed displeasure over the conduct of the opposition. He stated that if the opposition had any demands, they should raise them strictly in accordance with the rules of procedure, including through a Point of Order.

The Minister asserted that the government was prepared to discuss opposition demands at an appropriate time, but staging protests during Question Hour was not the right practice. He appealed to the members to maintain decorum and allow the House to function smoothly.