The Telangana government has imposed a significant development restriction on the areas surrounding the Musi River as part of an effort to prevent unplanned construction in the river’s catchment zones.
The decision, aimed at protecting the river’s course and its surrounding environment, prohibits any building or development activities within 100 metres of the river bank, from Himayatsagar and Osmansagar to Korremula village, which is near the Outer Ring Road.
Under the new directive, the state has extended the existing 50-metre restriction—originally imposed on rivers, major lakes, and streams—to a further 50 metres, effectively barring development in the area between 50 and 100 metres. This precautionary step aims to control the unchecked growth along the riverbanks, which has been observed to potentially jeopardise the ecological balance and the natural flow of the Musi River.
The decision comes on the heels of the Musi rejuvenation project, which the government launched last year. This ambitious initiative is being carried out in partnership with private firms under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the goal of restoring and enhancing the Musi River’s health. A comprehensive master plan for the river and its tributary, the Esa River, is being devised by a team of consultants appointed by the state government, and it is anticipated to offer long-term solutions for the sustainable development of the area. Municipal administration authorities have indicated that unchecked developments in the Musi catchment area could further degrade the river’s ecosystem, potentially exacerbating existing environmental concerns. With rapid urbanisation in Hyderabad, the river has already faced challenges, including the encroachment of its buffer zones. The state government, recognising the gravity of the situation, has taken proactive steps to curtail these threats.
A crucial aspect of the new development restrictions is the oversight by senior officials from various urban planning bodies. This includes the Director of Town and Country Planning, the Chief City Planner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and the Director of Planning from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). These officials will now be responsible for reviewing and approving any construction projects that lie between 50 and 100 metres from the river boundary. Public infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and other government or private sector developments will also need approval if they fall within the 100-metre buffer zone. This step is seen as necessary to ensure that new construction does not undermine the river’s potential for rejuvenation and long-term sustainability. The government’s decision also includes guidelines for future construction projects near the river, ensuring that they align with ecological protection measures and urban planning strategies. The policy aims not only to protect the Musi River’s course but also to maintain the natural beauty and environmental balance in the surrounding areas, which are crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing flooding during monsoons.
While the development restrictions may cause temporary inconvenience to developers, the long-term goal is to strike a balance between Hyderabad’s urban growth and the need for environmental sustainability. As Hyderabad continues to grow, it is vital to ensure that the city’s development does not come at the cost of its natural resources, with the Musi River serving as a critical component in this equation. The next steps involve finalising the comprehensive master plan for the river’s rejuvenation, which is expected to further refine policies and measures to protect the Musi and ensure the city’s continued growth is both sustainable and eco-friendly.