Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday inaugurated the restored Bathukamma Kunta Lake in Amberpet and called for public support to the Musi Rejuvenation Project, urging people to rise above politics for Hyderabad’s safety.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said Musi had become a dumping ground due to years of neglect. He stressed that the river’s revival was crucial to prevent flooding in the city. “We are already seeing localities submerged within an hour of rainfall,” he said.
He explained that climate change had increased the frequency of cloudbursts. Earlier, Hyderabad could manage with basic infrastructure during 2 cm of rain. However, the city now requires stronger systems to withstand nature’s fury. “Our government has prepared long-term plans to handle future flood risks and restore water bodies,” he said.
HYDRAA formed to protect water bodies, says CM
Revanth Reddy said the government established HYDRAA to safeguard lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The agency is tasked with clearing encroachments and improving water retention capacity. “We faced resistance initially, but moved forward to protect public resources,” he noted.
He instructed Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to visit the Musi catchment areas in Amberpet and submit rehabilitation plans for affected poor families. “We will develop Amberpet without political bias,” he added.
Appealing to the public, the Chief Minister warned against purchasing encroached government land from land mafias. “Such deals will only lead to trouble. The people’s government stands with the poor people, not the profiteers,” he said.
He also praised senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao for his role in restoring Bathukamma Kunta. The CM asked officials to consider naming the lake after Rao, following a request by local MLA K. Venkatesh.
Revanth Reddy further said the Bathukamma festival embodies women’s participation and cultural identity. He reiterated the government’s aim to elevate Hyderabad’s image at the international level.
