Musi still waits for attention

Afzal Gunj: Despite tall claims by the authorities, works pertaining to the ‘Musi Riverfront Development’ are yet to see the light of day. As per announcements, the works were scheduled to take off in December 2017.

Earlier, last year, the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation was set up that prepared a detailed report regarding the project. It was announced that the plans would be undertaken in three phases at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore. However, except a few surveys across the proposed stretches of the River, nothing concrete has been done.

There was a proposal to develop the River from Osman Sagar to Chaderghat in December, as part of the first phase, but no work started. It may be recalled that the State government wanted to develop the River on lines with the Sabarmati River Front of Gujarat in order to attract tourists and thus push tourism in the city. It was announced to develop this as a tourism corridor.

Speaking to The Hans India, a political activist and advocate Shafiullah Quadri, said that the Corporation needs to work on legal aspects of the project first and initiate works immediately. He said that anything useful for the people and what is tourism-friendly must be undertaken on priority.
“If tourism is developed, it would ensure employment and generate revenue for locals. Hence, it must be the priority of the government,” he opined.

There have been apprehensions over the riverfront development works in the backdrop of widespread encroachments into the river for a long time. However, Corporation chairman Prem Kumar Rathore had said that the works were independent of the encroachments, and that the illegal dwellers would not pose a problem to the project. He had also said that beautification works would begin by the end of the 2017 however those could not be grounded.

More concerns for the river included a blocked gate due to dumping of garbage and discharge of sewage water into its body. Meanwhile, commuters at Nagole Metro station complained about the rancid smell arising from the river located near the station.

As part of the project, it was proposed to have facilities to ensure cleaning of water through sewerage treatment plants, availability of water at strategic locations, developing green space and providing civic amenities and recreational facilities.

Meanwhile, Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT) and local social group, Save Our Lakes (SOUL) raised apprehensions over the practicality of the project. They said that it would not be grounded without proper homework by the authorities.

By Mohammed Younus