BRS Leader Harish Rao Slams Congress Government Over Musi Project Demolitions
Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao on Friday demanded that the Congress government in Telangana clearly outline its plans for the proposed Rs 1.50 lakh crore Musi project and immediately halt demolitions being carried out in the name of Musi beautification. He emphasized that these actions are proceeding even without the submission of a detailed project report (DPR), raising serious concerns about transparency and governance.
Allegations of Confusion and Arbitrary Actions
Harish Rao alleged that the government is operating in a confused and arbitrary manner, with the project being described inconsistently as Musi beautification, purification, and rejuvenation at different times. He stated, "At different times, the project is described as Musi beautification, Musi purification, and Musi rejuvenation, without any clarity on the actual objective," highlighting a lack of clear direction and planning.
Opposition to Demolitions and Impact on Poor Families
Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan, the former minister clarified that the BRS has never opposed the revival or cleaning of the Musi river. However, he strongly condemned what he termed "looting in the name of Musi beautification" and the demolition of houses, which is rendering thousands of poor families homeless. He pointed out that the government's gazette notification proposes demolishing 10,017 structures across 3,279 acres along the Musi river, potentially affecting nearly one lakh people.
Harish Rao criticized the government's priorities, stating, "Instead of first stopping sewage inflow into the Musi and building adequate treatment systems, the government is bulldozing residential areas and demolishing houses." He argued that addressing pollution sources should precede such drastic measures.
Questioning Financial Claims and Project History
The BRS leader also questioned the government's claim that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had sanctioned Rs 4,100 crore for the project. He pointed to official communications from the bank indicating that the DPR has not yet been submitted and the loan has not been approved, casting doubt on the funding assertions.
Harish Rao recalled that it was the previous BRS government that first initiated plans to rejuvenate the Musi. He noted that the BRS administration had proposed 32 sewage treatment plants (STPs) with an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore and had prepared plans to bring Godavari water into the Musi to improve water flow and aid in cleaning the river.
Criticism of Fiscal Priorities and Political Warnings
He further criticized the government's fiscal management, stating that it repeatedly claims the state treasury is empty when addressing demands from farmers for Rythu Bharosa, students for fee reimbursement, and retired employees for pension benefits. At the same time, the government is proposing a Rs 1.5 lakh crore Musi project while spending huge amounts on events, advertisements, and luxury facilities, which he deemed contradictory and irresponsible.
Harish Rao warned that if the government misled the assembly on this matter, the BRS would move a privilege motion. He also questioned the BJP, asking whether the party supports what he described as "real estate exploitation in the name of Musi" after reports that Union minister Rajnath Singh may be invited for the project's foundation ceremony. He called on Union minister Kishan Reddy to clarify whether the BJP supports the demolitions taking place along the Musi.
