CM Revanth Reddy Leads Padayatra for Musi River Restoration
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday launched a 3-km padayatra from Sangem village in Nalgonda district to Nagireddypally, pledging his government’s commitment to restore the Musi River.
Once a lifeline for Telangana, the river has suffered severe pollution due to prolonged neglect, turning it into a toxic drain.
Reddy addressed a large gathering, emphasizing the impact of Musi’s pollution on health, agriculture, and local livelihoods. Highlighting the river’s deterioration, he criticized opposition parties, particularly the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), for hindering restoration efforts. “The Musi, which once provided clean water, has now turned into a cesspool of poison. This is a threat greater than an atomic bomb to the people living along its banks,” he stated.
Impact of Musi Pollution on Local Livelihoods
Reddy expressed solidarity with the people of the Musi catchment area, noting how pollution has affected agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, leaving local produce unsafe for consumption. “The people of this region, once thriving, are now forced to sell their lands because of the dire conditions,” he said.
He accused the BRS of prioritizing corruption over public welfare, asserting, “The BRS leaders know how to loot, not how to serve. They are actively trying to block the cleanup of Musi for their selfish gains.” Reddy extended his gratitude to the Communist Party for supporting the restoration project and challenged opponents to directly address the people of Nalgonda.
State-Wide Campaign for Musi’s Revival
To intensify the movement, Reddy announced a statewide padayatra from Vadapally to Hyderabad in January 2025 to mobilize support. “This is just the beginning,” he declared, promising to transform the Musi River as an example of Telangana’s resilience and dedication. Drawing a comparison, he said, “If Gujarat can be transformed, why can’t we restore the Musi? This is not just an environmental issue but a matter of survival for future generations.”
Earlier, accompanied by ministers, party leaders, and a large gathering of supporters, Reddy offered prayers at the historic Bheema Lingeshwara Swamy temple in Sangem before commencing the padayatra, underscoring his commitment to reviving the Musi for the wellbeing of the people of Telangana.