BJP backs Musi Rejuvenation, seeks clarity on funding

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Telangana president N Ramchander Rao expressed support for the rejuvenation of the Musi River, while raising concerns over the project’s feasibility, funding, and long-term sustainability here on Sunday.

“I want to state clearly that if any government sincerely takes up this task of restoring the river, the Bharatiya Janata Party will extend its full support to such an effort,” he said, underlining its commitment to environmental restoration.

He stressed that cleaning the Musi is not just about improving Hyderabad but would have far-reaching benefits across southern Telangana. “If we purify the Musi, it is not only Hyderabad city that will benefit — the whole of southern Telangana will gain. Farmers will be able to grow healthy crops, and vegetables can be cultivated safely without the risk of contamination,” the statement noted, adding that preventing water-borne diseases must be a key objective.

However, Mr Ramchander Rao questioned the scale and financial viability of the proposed project. It pointed out that while riverfront and river-cleaning initiatives elsewhere in the country were undertaken at significantly lower costs, the Musi project is being estimated at Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

Drawing comparisons, the BJP cited the Sabarmati riverfront project in Gujarat and the Namami Gange Programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aimed at rejuvenating the Ganga with an outlay of around Rs. 20,000 crore. “When such massive rivers were addressed with comparatively lower budgets, questions arise about the financial planning of the Musi project,” it said.

The party also raised concerns over funding sources, asking how the state plans to mobilize such a large amount when it is already facing financial constraints. “If the government borrows this money, it is ultimately the people of Telangana who will bear the burden,” it cautioned.

The BJP Telangana President further emphasized that rejuvenation efforts should not be limited to select stretches. “The cleansing and restoration of the Musi must be carried out along its entire course — from its origin to where it meets the Krishna River, including the stretch up to the Musi Dam,” it demanded.

Highlighting the need for a scientific and practical approach, the party questioned how the river would be replenished with fresh water. “The Musi’s natural flow is limited. The government must clearly explain what sources of water will be used to sustain it,” the statement said, calling for transparency and detailed planning.

The BJP also invoked the contributions of B. R. Ambedkar to India’s water policy and river-linking vision, noting that his ideas remain highly relevant. It further referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had advocated interlinking of rivers, a vision partially realized through projects like linking the Narmada River with the Sabarmati River. Reiterating its stance, the BJP said that while it fully supports the idea of a clean and flowing Musi, the government must present a clear roadmap. “The people deserve to know what exactly this project entails and how much it will truly cost,” it said.

Modi becomes longest-serving Head of Government

In a moment of pride for party workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving head of government in India’s history. By completing 8,931 days in office—combined as Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister—he has surpassed the record previously held by Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served 8,930 days as Chief Minister of Sikkim.The BJP described the milestone as a “matter of great joy and pride,” highlighting Modi’s long tenure in public service and leadership.