Revanth Reddy vows to develop Hyderabad, criticises previous BRS government

HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has pledged to significantly expand and develop Hyderabad, promising that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HYDRA) will extend its jurisdiction to cover 2,000 square kilometers.

Revanth Reddy made this announcement during a discussion on HYDRA in the state Assembly.

The Chief Minister emphasised that HYDRA, established under his administration, would operate similarly to elite police units such as the Special Operations Team (SOTA) and Greyhounds. He highlighted the need for revising house numbering in Hyderabad to boost the city's global competitiveness.

Criticising previous administrations, Revanth Reddy alleged that some individuals had mortgaged the Outer Ring Road (ORR), constructed during YS Rajasekhara Reddy's tenure. He claimed that those responsible for this were no longer part of the Assembly.

"Lakes in Hyderabad are disappearing, and encroachments of 'nalas' are wreaking havoc on the city," Revanth Reddy stated. He outlined a plan to transfer water from Mallanna Sagar to Osman Sagar, revealing that a proposal worth Rs 6,000 crore had been submitted to the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister.

Addressing the drug trade, Revanth Reddy declared, "Earlier, ganja was freely available after 11 pm. Does anyone dare to sell ganja openly in Hyderabad now?" He challenged the ruling BRS party to discuss the alleged involvement of its leaders in drug rackets, adding, "I am aware of everyone's background. However, I am refraining from discussing certain matters due to the responsibility associated with my position."

Revanth Reddy's speech also included a comprehensive vision for Hyderabad's development while sharply criticising the previous BRS government. He highlighted HYDRA's crucial role in protecting the city's water bodies and land from encroachment, especially considering the increasing frequency of heavy rains and floods due to climate change.

Recounting the Congress's historical contributions to the city's water infrastructure, Reddy mentioned the Manjira (1965), Singur (1982), and Krishna phases 1 (2004) and 2 (2008) projects. He asserted that 90% of the Krishna phase 3 works were completed under the Congress in 2014, contradicting BRS claims of initiating the project.

The Chief Minister accused BRS leaders of neglecting the citizens' plight, citing their alleged inaction following incidents such as the alleged rape of a girl in Singareni Colony and the Disha rape incident. He also criticised the previous government's handling of the Moinabad rape and murder case, alleging inaction against a BRS leader implicated in the crime.

Revanth Reddy touted his government's strict stance against the sale of ganja, contrasting it with the alleged prevalence of the drug during the BRS rule. He unveiled ambitious plans for Hyderabad, including the Musi Riverfront Development project spanning 55 km.

Responding to criticism from BRS leader K Taraka Rama Rao regarding the Musi project's estimated cost of Rs 1.50 lakh crore, Revanth Reddy highlighted the Kaleshwaram project's collapse under the BRS regime. He accused KTR of seeking DPR for the Musi project prematurely, alleging an attempt to solicit commissions from contractors.

Revanth Reddy challenged KTR's claims about providing drinking water to Gajwel through Mission Bhagiratha, asserting that the water supply originated from the Congress-constructed Sripada Yellampalli project.

Outlining his vision for a collaborative approach to development, Revanth Reddy invited suggestions from all stakeholders. He proposed the construction of a 2.6 km suspension bridge and a London-inspired tower at Miralam pond.

Revanth Reddy urged BJP MLAs to collaborate with his government in securing permissions and funds from the Centre for the development of Hyderabad and the state. "Union minister G Kishan Reddy is not coming forward though the government is ready to work together for the development of the state. It seems Kishan Reddy’s old friend will get angry if he supports the state government," he alleged.