₹700 Crore Temple, Multi-Faith Riverfront in Musi Rejuvenation Plan: CM Revanth Reddy

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has unveiled an ambitious and multi-dimensional plan to transform the Musi River into a vibrant urban, spiritual, and ecological corridor , while warning that any attempts to spread misinformation or obstruct the project will invite strict action .

Addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Omkareshwara and Machileshwara temples at Manchirevula, the Chief Minister said the initiative is not limited to river cleaning but is aimed at redefining Hyderabad’s identity. The temple complex, to be built across 8 acres at a cost of ₹700 crore , will draw inspiration from the Ramappa Temple architecture and feature a towering 100-foot Shiva statue , positioning it as a major spiritual landmark.

As part of the broader vision, the government plans to develop places of worship for multiple faiths including a temple, mosque, church, and gurudwara along the riverbanks, symbolising communal harmony . The riverfront will also host meditation centres, cultural hubs, and tourism infrastructure , with the goal of transforming the Musi into a “ Dakshina Kashi .”

The project, being executed by the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation , spans nearly 55 km and is among the most ambitious urban river rejuvenation efforts in India. It integrates riverfront development, tourism promotion, and environmental restoration , while also aiming to boost Hyderabad’s night-time economy and public spaces.

Highlighting the urgency, the Chief Minister pointed out that the Musi has become heavily polluted due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and urban waste . He noted that contamination has begun affecting public health and agriculture , particularly in downstream regions like Nalgonda, where water quality has deteriorated significantly. Drawing parallels with pollution challenges in Delhi, he stressed that immediate intervention is essential to prevent a similar crisis.

To ensure perennial water flow , the government plans to divert 20 TMC of water from the Godavari River , a move expected to aid both ecological revival and riverfront aesthetics. Additionally, the project includes the construction of modern sewage treatment plants (STPs) and systems to prevent untreated waste from entering the river, with treated water being reused for industrial and irrigation purposes.

However, the initiative has also sparked debate. Opposition parties have raised concerns over land acquisition, displacement risks, and transparency , while urban planning experts caution that ecological restoration must take precedence over beautification . The government, meanwhile, has maintained that the project balances development with sustainability and long-term public benefit.

Revanth Reddy also took aim at political opponents and legal challenges, urging those who approached the National Green Tribunal to withdraw cases filed against the project in the public interest . He called on public representatives across party lines to support the initiative, emphasising that the Musi’s revival is critical to Hyderabad’s future.

Framing the project as both a necessity and an opportunity, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that restoring the Musi will not only improve environmental sustainability and public health , but also establish a new cultural and economic identity for Telangana.