The first phase of Musi rejuvenation will begin soon, says Telangana CM Revanth after inaugurating Thammidikunta Lake

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy felicitated actor Nagarjuna at an event where he inaugurated the newly renovated and beautified 30-acre Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur, Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Wednesday that the first phase of the Musi rejuvenation project would begin soon, saying that the river must be cleaned and restored, not just beautified. He said the government would ensure that no one suffered loss in the process and called for cooperation from all political parties.

Speaking at the inauguration of the restored Thammidikunta lake, he said the pollution of the Musi river was causing hardship to the people of Nalgonda district who were paying the price for the neglect of successive governments. According to him, the lives of the people of Hyderabad were closely linked with the river.

Recalling the construction of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar Nizam reservoirs to protect Hyderabad from floods, he said that the Musi river embankment was built almost a century ago but the water body has now become polluted.

Describing Hyderabad as a city of rocks and lakes, Mr. Revanth Reddy said that it has 1,372 lakes but almost 50% have disappeared due to various reasons. The encroachments resulted in waterlogged roads and inundation of residential colonies during rains. He emphasized the need to free the lakes from encroachment as part of conservation efforts and establishing Hyderabad as a global city.

He said Thammidikunta lake was expanded from 14 to 30 acres to remember the future of future generations even though some people suffered losses in the process. Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna voluntarily handed over two acres of land to the government, he said, describing him as a hero in real life as well as in films.

The chief minister said the lake would become a new destination next to Shilparamam and called for the development of the lake economy around it. He directed police officials to provide adequate security and suggested planting a Jammi tree in the lake premises so that the lakes can become a venue for Dasara celebrations and help preserve cultural traditions.

Published – 11 Nov 2026 22:58 IST