Telangana: Govt plans to clean this river

Hyderabad, Jul 10: In a significant development, The Telangana government has initiated measures to prevent pollution of Musi River and the removal of encroachments on its banks.

For this, under the Musi Riverfront Development project, it will conduct a survey within a month to identify encroachments on the riverbed and buffer zone. The survey will have information pertaining to socio, economic and demographic details of the encroachments.

The government will begin the Musi Riverfront Development works only after completing the survey and clearing all encroachments. It will also conduct a joint inspection and prepare estimates to put in place a master plan in this regard.

Reviewing the progress of works with senior officials at the Secretariat on Monday, Chief Secretary SK Joshi directed them to expedite the works of the Musi Riverfront Development and suggested the appointment of a special officer to coordinate with Collectors and others in the Line department.

Joshi asked the officials concerned to identify a temporary dumpyard for the debris. Blue sheets should be placed at all vulnerable points to avoid further dumping of debris, he said. Irrigation officials were asked to pump in freshwater from the Godavari.

Under the first phase, a 3-km stretch would be developed with greenery followed by construction of sewerage treatment plants (STPs) in the second phase.

The purified water will be used for horticulture and agriculture purpose. A special tourism project would be developed on the 61 acres abutting the confluence of Musi and Esi rivers near Bapughat, he said.