The Telangana government has announced an ambitious plan to develop an 80-acre eco-friendly township in Hyderabad, inspired by Japan’s pioneering city of Kitakyushu.
This initiative is a key component of the state’s “Telangana Rising 2047” vision, focusing on sustainable urban development that prioritises zero-waste management, clean energy, and innovative water conservation techniques.Kitakyushu, once notorious for industrial pollution, transformed itself into a global model for environmental restoration and sustainable growth. Telangana aims to replicate this success by integrating similar circular economy principles and green technologies into its new eco-town. The project will incorporate advanced recycling and waste-to-energy systems to ensure a zero-waste future. Water management will be enhanced through rainwater harvesting and state-of-the-art wastewater treatment inspired by Kitakyushu’s acclaimed Murasaki River restoration efforts.
Energy-efficient infrastructure, powered primarily by solar and renewable energy, forms the backbone of the eco-town. The township will also feature eco-conscious industrial zones designed to minimise emissions and encourage clean technology industries, including electric vehicle manufacturing and sustainable construction materials. Furthermore, a “Future City” component is planned to pilot cutting-edge urban planning and digital innovations, though detailed specifics remain under wraps.
This collaborative endeavour gained momentum following Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s visit to Kitakyushu in April 2025. During his trip, he signed Letters of Intent with Japanese companies such as EX Research Institute, Nippon Steel Engineering, and Amita Holdings to bring their technical expertise in waste processing, environmental restoration, and recycling to Hyderabad.On June 2, 2025, a formal cooperation agreement was signed between Telangana and Kitakyushu’s Mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi at a Confederation of Indian Industry conference held at Hyderabad’s T-Hub. Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, highlighted joint efforts focused on riverfront redevelopment and the integration of digital solutions for sustainable urban management.
Financially, Telangana has attracted investments exceeding ₹3 lakh crore since early 2024, with Japanese partners playing a critical role in providing both capital and expertise. The project also complements the ongoing Musi Riverfront Development initiative, which seeks to rejuvenate the river using similar restoration techniques. However, this has faced criticism over concerns about displacement of local communities, a challenge that the eco-town project will need to address sensitively.To support workforce development for the eco-town’s green industries, Telangana’s Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM) is training young professionals in Japanese language and technical skills. Already, 50 individuals have secured employment in Japan. Plans are underway to establish a Japanese language institute in Hyderabad to scale these efforts, aiming to equip youth for managerial and technical roles in the eco-friendly sectors.
While the eco-town’s exact location within Hyderabad and the detailed implementation timeline remain undisclosed, the project signals Telangana’s commitment to sustainable urbanisation aligned with global best practices. This initiative is poised to set new benchmarks in creating a net-zero carbon, gender-neutral, and environmentally conscious urban landscape, enhancing quality of life and economic resilience for its residents.
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