Musi & Esa Rivers Effectively Turned Into Sewage Channels - Legislation Statement (India)

In Hyderabad, a legislator raised concerns that the Musi and Esa rivers have become de facto sewage channels, questioning the progress of cleaning efforts and reservoir protection, highlighting persistent river pollution.

AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi on Friday questioned the govt whether a comprehensive study is being carried out at various stages of the Musi cleaning process. On the second day of the assembly session, he noted that officials claim the cleaning efforts cover 55 km, from Osman Sagar to Bapu Ghat.

Akbaruddin also enquired about the number of protected lands and private properties in the areas where Musi cleaning is underway. Additionally, he asked how Godavari water is being supplied to Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, and he sought details on the number of encroachments in the reservoir catchment areas. "There is a need to protect heritage structures," he said.

He sought clarification on the catchment areas of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, highlighting that the Musi River ranks eighth globally in pollution levels. Akbaruddin expressed concern that the Musi and Esa rivers no longer function as rivers but have effectively turned into sewage channels. He pointed out that all of the city's sewage flows into the Musi river and that its contamination is affecting the Gandipet reservoir as well.

He urged that silt be removed from the decades-old Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar to increase their storage capacity. He argued that boosting water storage would allow Godavari water to be diverted there. He also questioned the status of the pedestrian project initiated three years ago at Charminar.