Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Challenges Opposition on City Development Plans
The Congress government in Telangana has faced criticism over its plans to develop Hyderabad as a global city. The proposals include improving traffic systems, reducing air and water pollution, and creating a new “Fourth City.” On Tuesday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy responded to the opposition—BRS and BJP—by issuing a challenge.
Revanth Reddy stated that he was willing to pause all development plans for six months if the opposition parties could present a detailed and reasonable action plan. He invited them to propose solutions, highlight any shortcomings in the Congress government’s proposals, and provide cost estimates. If the opposition’s suggestions were practical and cost-effective, he assured that the government would adopt them.
To facilitate this, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a cabinet sub-committee. The committee will include Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Ministers D. Sridhar Babu and Ponnam Prabhakar. This group will organize all-party meetings to discuss the development agenda.
Speaking at the “Praja Palana Vijayotsavalu” event held at HMDA Grounds on NTR Marg, Revanth Reddy urged opposition leaders to move beyond criticism and contribute positively. Specifically, he called on Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who is also the Secunderabad MP, to use his position to secure Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in central funds for Hyderabad’s development.
Revanth Reddy even stated that if Kishan Reddy could achieve this, he would organize a massive public meeting of 10 lakh people to honor both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kishan Reddy. However, he criticized the opposition for making baseless allegations instead of cooperating for the city’s progress.
The Chief Minister outlined key projects requiring central assistance. These include Rs. 35,000 crore for the Metro rail expansion connecting the airport to the Fourth City, Rs. 7,000 crore for the Musi River rejuvenation program, Rs. 35,000 crore for the Regional Ring Road, and Rs. 50,000 crore for radial road development.
Revanth Reddy expressed concern over Hyderabad’s environmental challenges. He said the Musi River remains heavily polluted and encroachments have worsened the situation. Similarly, Hussain Sagar’s waters continue to be contaminated, despite promises made by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) to turn it into a drinking water lake and model the Old City after Istanbul. Revanth criticized KCR for leaving behind a traffic crisis and failing to deliver on promises.
The Chief Minister credited the city’s progress to the previous Congress government and refuted claims by the opposition that Hyderabad’s real estate market is declining due to HYDRA (Hyderabad Development Authority’s regulatory actions). He pointed out that real estate activity has surged by 29% since the Congress came to power, emphasizing that HYDRA targets encroachers, not ordinary citizens.
Revanth Reddy also revealed plans for the Fourth City project. He stated that the government has a land bank of 15,000 acres, an additional 15,000 acres of forest land, and intends to acquire another 15,000 acres from farmers to make the project a reality.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging the opposition to collaborate and contribute constructively for the development of Hyderabad, rather than resorting to baseless allegations.
