Hyderabad – In a major initiative, the Telangana government has launched an ambitious plan to revitalize the Musi River, envisioning it as a modern urban landmark akin to South Korea’s Han River. A delegation of Telangana ministers and officials recently visited South Korea to study the Han River model, as the state pushes forward with this high-stakes urban development project.
However, the project faces a major hurdle: relocating approximately 13,000 households along the Musi’s banks. While many residents within the riverbed zone have moved to double-bedroom housing provided by the government, others residing in buffer and Full Tank Level (FTL) zones have resisted, citing the high value of their homes. Their refusal to relocate has spurred protests, drawing support from opposition parties and criticism on social media.
In response, the government appears to have shifted its strategy. Sources indicate that the plan may now involve phased cleaning efforts, beginning in less populated areas from Narsingi to Bapughat and other stretches beyond Nagole. The goal is to avoid immediate displacement and focus first on regions without heavy construction.
The restoration is intended to mirror Seoul’s successful Cheonggyecheon River project, and Congress leaders hope completing key sections by the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections will improve public perception of the project.