East-west corridors in the Musi river basin
Hubs for hackers, gaming, and entertainment around Musi
When people hear the name Hyderabad, the first thing that comes to mind is the Charminar. However, another icon is set to join Charminar in the city— the Musi River. The Telangana government has developed plans to thoroughly rejuvenate the Musi River and beautify it like the River Thames in London. The government, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is taking steps to not only cleanse the Musi by infusing it with Godavari waters but also to create special corridors and facilities like hackers’ zones around it. There is no doubt that if the Musi rejuvenation and beautification are completed in the next two years as planned, the landscape of Hyderabad will transform beyond anyone’s imagination.
The first step for the Musi rejuvenation has been initiated. The Telangana government is gearing up for the prestigious Musi River development works. For this, the Musi River Front Development Corporation Limited is making arrangements. Before starting the development project, all encroachments in the river basin must be removed. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had previously announced that families losing their properties in this removal process will be provided double-bedroom houses. Demolition of sheds and godowns in the FTL (Full Tank Level) and buffer zones will also be carried out. Over the past three months, a survey has been completed with the revenue, survey, MRDCL, and various department officials from the western Outer Ring Road to the eastern Korremula area. It has been identified that there are over 12,000 encroachments spanning nearly 25 kilometres from Narsing to Nagole Bridge in the FTL and buffer zones.
It has been revealed that there have been large-scale encroachments in areas such as Asifnagar, Amberpet, Bahadurpura, Charminar, Golconda, Himayatnagar, Nampally, and Saidabad in Hyderabad district. The highest number of constructions is found in the Bahadurpura, Saidabad, and Amberpet mandals. Many colonies have even been established directly in the Musi River. Houses have been built on plots of 30, 40, and 60 square yards in the Musi basin, often without even leaving a 10-foot road in between. In Ranga Reddy district, areas like Gandipet, Rajendranagar, and Saroornagar, as well as Ramantapur and Bhagyanagar in Medchal district, are predominantly occupied by colonies. Some individuals have set up warehouses and sheds, running large-scale businesses. Authorities are expected to begin the process of removing these encroachments soon.
In the context of the Musi River revitalisation, it is reported that the Musi River Front Authority will seek assistance from Hydra to remove encroachments. The government has initiated actions to provide double-bedroom houses for the displaced. There is no doubt that the revitalisation of the Musi will transform the landscape of Hyderabad. The Telangana government has already announced plans to develop the Musi River basin similarly to the famous Thames River in London.
Approximately 200 years ago, during the Industrial Revolution, industrial waste and human waste began to flow directly into the Thames. By 1957, the Thames was declared biologically dead by the London Natural History Museum. Following this, local authorities and the government took the initiative to revitalize the Thames and develop the surrounding area. During a visit to London in January this year, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy observed the Thames and held discussions with the Thames River Authority. He has decided to develop the Musi River in Hyderabad similar to the Thames.
By June 2026, the government has planned to ensure that drinking water flows into the Musi River. Authorities are moving forward with solid plans in this regard. The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation is preparing to call tenders for the revitalization of the Musi. The first phase of work is set to begin with an investment of Rs 10,000 crores. The Telangana government is working on bringing water from the Godavari to fill five TMCs in Gandipet and Himayat Sagar, and subsequently to release clean Godavari water into the Musi. Measures are being taken to ensure that this water flows up to Suryapet, including the construction of check dams to store water at various locations. The Telangana government is also planning to construct the East and West corridors alongside the Musi Riverfront and set up special hawkers’ zones. The tender process related to the Musi River revitalisation is expected to conclude in January next year, with work set to begin thereafter.
The revitalization and beautification of the Musi River will transform the landscape of Hyderabad. From the good riverbanks to Nagole, approximately 25 kilometres will be beautified, significantly enhancing the area. As part of the Musi beautification, the Telangana government is preparing plans for the construction of East-West corridors, establishment of hawkers’ zones, recreation zones, entertainment zones, parks, boating facilities, and walking tracks. If all these developments are completed in the next two to three years, Hyderabad will undergo a remarkable transformation. Alongside iconic structures like Charminar, Hi-Tech City, and Golconda, the Musi River is also set to become another iconic landmark. However, despite previous government attempts at revitalizing the Musi, none have been successful. It remains to be seen how the Revanth Reddy government will advance the Musi revitalization efforts.
