Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Appeals for Funding to Develop the Musa River Basin
Delhi: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made a significant appeal to Union Ministers CR Patil, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Prahlad Joshi for substantial funds aimed at the development of the Musa river front and other critical projects in Telangana. During his meeting with the Union Ministers in Delhi on Monday, the Chief Minister highlighted various state needs and detailed the urgency and significance of each project.
Funding for the Musa River Basin Development
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy requested an allocation of Rs 10,000 crore under the National River Conservation Plan for the development of the Musa River front in Hyderabad. Emphasizing the unique nature of this project, the Chief Minister pointed out that the 55 km Musa River, which traverses Hyderabad, is currently being polluted by the city’s wastewater. The state government is committed to cleaning the river, constructing flood water drains, raising the riverbed, and beautifying the surroundings.
As part of the National River Conservation Plan, which focuses on the preservation and development of rivers in the Deccan Plateau, the Chief Minister requested Rs 5,000 crore for treating sewage entering the Musa River and improving the overall river ecosystem.
Godavari Water Recharge Projects
In addition to the Musa River project, the Chief Minister appealed for Rs 6,000 crore to support Godavari water recharge projects from Usman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. Filling these reservoirs with Godavari water is seen as a crucial solution to Hyderabad’s water shortages and a means to revive the Musa River. The combined total for these water-related projects amounts to Rs 16,000 crore.
Jal Jeevan Mission Funding
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also urged the release of funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure clean water access to households across Telangana. According to 2019 estimates, 77.60 percent of households in the state have access to clean water, but a recent survey revealed that 7.85 lakh households still lack tap connections. The Chief Minister stressed that providing tap connections to these households, including those under the PMAY (Urban) and (Rural) schemes, would require Rs 16,100 crore.
Despite the Jal Jeevan Mission being launched in 2019, the Chief Minister pointed out that no funds have been released to Telangana to date. He requested that funds be allocated starting this year to expedite the mission’s objectives.
Advance Payment of Gas Subsidy
Another critical appeal was made to Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, where Chief Minister Revanth Reddy requested the facilitation of advance payment of gas subsidies amounting to Rs 5,000 crore to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Telangana. The state government, under the Mahalakshmi scheme, provides gas cylinders for Rs 500. Currently, consumers face difficulties as they receive the subsidy only after paying the full amount for the cylinder.
To alleviate this problem, the Chief Minister proposed that the OMCs be allowed to receive the subsidy in advance, enabling consumers to pay Rs 500 upfront for their gas cylinders. If advance payment is not feasible, he urged that the subsidy be credited within 48 hours to ensure timely relief for consumers.
Settlement of Civil Works Department Dues
Lastly, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with Union Minister for Civil Supplies Prahlad Joshi to request the immediate release of arrears related to grain recovery and rice supply. The Chief Minister highlighted pending subsidies totaling Rs 1,468.94 crore for the additional levy collected during the 2014-15 kharif period and urged the Union Minister to expedite the release of these funds.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister requested the confirmation of orders for 89,987.730 metric tonnes of rice supplied from May 2021 to March 2022 under the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana and the release of dues amounting to Rs 343.27 crore. Additionally, he appealed for the immediate release of Rs 79.09 crore related to rice distributed under the non-NFSA (National Food Security Act) scheme during the same period.
Telangana Chief Minister’s Strategic Delhi Visit to Address State Concerns
Chief Minister’s Whirlwind Tour to Delhi
Chief Minister Shri Revanth Anumula embarked on a high-stakes visit to Delhi on Monday, engaging with Union Ministers to tackle various state-related issues. The primary focus of his discussions centered on securing crucial fund allocations for Telangana across several vital schemes.
High-Level Meetings with Union Ministers
During his visit, Chief Minister Anumula held separate meetings with several key Union Ministers. His agenda included discussions with Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Shri Pralhad Joshi. In these meetings, he submitted detailed representations on the state’s pending matters with the Centre, emphasizing the urgency of resolving these issues.
Delegation Accompanying the Chief Minister
Accompanying Chief Minister Anumula were Deputy Chief Minister Shri Bhatti Mallu, Minister Shri Uttam Kumar Reddy, and other prominent public representatives. Their collective efforts underscored the importance of the issues at hand and highlighted the unified front presented by Telangana’s leadership.
Engagements with Top National Leaders
Chief Minister Anumula’s visit also included significant interactions with the highest echelons of the Indian government. He recently met with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, and Minister for Defence Shri Rajnath Singh. These discussions aimed at addressing critical state issues, reflecting the Chief Minister’s commitment to advancing Telangana’s interests at the national level.
Focus on Health, Finance, and Infrastructure
In addition to his high-profile meetings, Chief Minister Anumula also engaged with Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri J.P. Nadda, Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and Road Transport Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari. The focus of these meetings included discussions on health infrastructure, financial support, and transportation projects essential for Telangana’s development.
Urban Affairs and Power Sector Discussions
Chief Minister Anumula’s agenda also covered urban development and power sector reforms. He met with Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of Power Shri Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss policies and projects aimed at urban revitalization and enhancing the state’s power supply framework. These discussions are critical for ensuring sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for Telangana’s residents.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
The Chief Minister’s Delhi visit is part of a broader strategy to secure essential resources and support for Telangana’s ongoing and future projects. By directly engaging with key Union Ministers and national leaders, Chief Minister Anumula aims to expedite the resolution of pending issues and ensure the efficient implementation of state schemes.
Chief Minister Shri Revanth Anumula’s proactive approach in engaging with Union Ministers and national leaders demonstrates his dedication to addressing Telangana’s pressing concerns. His efforts in securing vital funds and support for the state underscore a commitment to sustainable development and improved governance. As Telangana continues to navigate its path towards growth, these strategic discussions in Delhi play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s series of appeals underscore the urgent need for substantial funding to address critical infrastructural and welfare projects in Telangana. The proposed developments, if funded, promise to significantly improve water quality, resource management, and essential services for the people of Hyderabad and the broader state. The Chief Minister’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to sustainable development and enhanced quality of life for the residents of Telangana.