Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy led a 3-kilometer-long padayatra on Friday, rallying for the much-needed rejuvenation of the Musi River, which has long been a vital water source but has now become one of the most polluted rivers in the country. The padayatra began in Sangem village, located in Nalgonda district, and proceeded towards Nagireddypally, where Reddy addressed a large gathering of supporters.
The Musi River, once a lifeline for the region, has suffered decades of neglect, turning into a toxic drain that poses severe risks to public health and agriculture. During the rally, Reddy outlined the dire consequences of the river’s contamination, particularly its harmful effects on the local population, agriculture, and the fisheries sector. The river’s pollution, he noted, has rendered agricultural produce unsafe for consumption, caused the collapse of local fisheries, and made livestock products hazardous.
Reddy’s message was clear: he is determined to take whatever measures necessary to restore the Musi River to its former state. “The Musi, which once provided pure 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. The Chief Minister also expressed his solidarity with the affected communities, emphasizing that many residents have been forced to sell their land due to the severe pollution in the area.
A significant part of the rally focused on criticizing opposition parties, particularly the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which Reddy accused of obstructing the Musi river restoration project for political and selfish reasons. “The BRS leaders know how to loot, not how to serve,” he remarked, blaming them for prioritizing corruption over public welfare. He also criticized BRS leaders for their alleged efforts to block the Musi cleanup initiative.
Reddy acknowledged the support from the Communist Party in the Musi rejuvenation efforts and issued a challenge to those opposing the project: “If you have the courage, reveal your identities. The people of Nalgonda will not tolerate any obstruction to Musi’s revival.”
In a bold statement, Revanth Reddy announced plans for a larger, state-wide movement to ensure the river’s rejuvenation. He revealed that he would lead another padayatra in January 2025, this time from Vadapally to Hyderabad, calling for government action on the Musi project. “This is just the beginning,” he asserted, emphasizing that the fight for the river’s restoration was only gaining momentum.
Drawing a comparison to Gujarat’s development success, Reddy urged his supporters to take immediate action. “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,” he stressed.
The padayatra was well-supported, with a large number of party leaders, followers, and ministers joining Revanth Reddy on the route. Prior to the rally, they offered prayers at the historic Bheema Lingeshwara Swamy temple in Sangem village, a gesture that resonated with the community’s deep spiritual connection to the region.
As the Musi river remains a key issue for the state, Reddy’s commitment to its restoration promises to shape the political discourse in Telangana in the months to come. His leadership in this environmental initiative signals a strong determination to address the pressing ecological concerns of the region while also addressing the livelihoods of thousands of affected residents.
Sources By Agencies
