What culture supports opposing river restoration for political reasons: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy targets BRS, BJP

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy cautioned that Hyderabad’s rich history was at risk of fading and cited pollution-related challenges in cities such as Delhi as a lesson to be learnt, and questioned the attempts to stall the Musi rejuvenation project on political grounds.

“What culture supports obstructing river restoration for political reasons?”, he asked, directing his anger against the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), blaming them for obstructing the Musi Rejuvenation Project purely on political grounds.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the historic Machileshwara Swamy and Omkareshwara Swamy temples on the banks of the Musi River at Manchirevula on the city outskirts.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy offers food to a cow after laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the historic Machileshwara Swamy and Omkareshwara Swamy temples on the banks of the Musi River at Manchirevula on the city outskirts on March28, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Mr. Reddy stated that several attempts had been made in the past to rejuvenate the Musi River, but for various reasons they had not materialised. “We consider it our good fortune to have received this opportunity. Even if there are obstacles, God will remove them,” he said.

He alleged that some individuals were attempting to block the project out of resentment. Referring indirectly to a case filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against the project, he questioned whether those obstructing development deserved to remain public representatives and urged that the petition be withdrawn in the larger public interest.

Appealing to the people of Telangana, the Chief Minister observed that civilisations historically flourished along river basins, while economic progress thrived along coastal regions. “Telangana is the only State in the country without a coastline. Though we have the Musi and Isa rivers, we have failed to utilise them properly,” he said, adding that human negligence had led to severe pollution of the Musi.

The Chief Minister described the reconstruction as a “historic moment” and said it was not merely another development programme. “They say not even an ant bites without Lord Shiva’s command. This is a divine initiative,” he remarked.

Mr. Reddy announced that the temples would be developed over eight acres at an estimated cost of ₹700 crore. Noting that the region has a history spanning over 1,400 years, he said the government was committed to preserving its heritage for future generations.

The foundation ceremony was conducted amidst Vedic chants by priests, resonating conch sounds and temple bells, marking the formal commencement of the temple reconstruction works. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, MPs, MLAs, MLCs and senior officials were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister also announced that, along with reconstructing the historic Shiva temple in the Musi basin, the government would also construct a mosque in the Musi catchment area and a church in Nagole as symbols of interfaith harmony.