Urban Areas to Get a Fillip With Revanth’s Rs 14,000-Crore BGI Projects

Hyderabad: Telangana’s urban areas are set for a substantial upgrade as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to implement Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) projects across all municipal corporations and municipalities in the state. The ambitious plan, with a proposed budget of nearly Rs 14,000 crore, aims to reshape urban development by incorporating ecological restoration and modern infrastructure to combat environmental challenges.

The state government has already submitted proposals to the 16th Finance Commission, seeking financial support to execute these projects. BGI refers to an integrated network that combines water management (blue) and ecological elements (green) to address urban and climatic issues. Water bodies like rivers and lakes are central to the “blue” component, while parks, gardens, and tree cover represent the “green” aspects.

Revanth Reddy, who also holds the portfolio for municipal administration and urban development (Maud), has instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive ‘Master Plan 2050’ for every municipality and municipal corporation. This strategic document, expected to be finalised by March 2025, will outline the specific BGI projects to be undertaken in each urban area.

The Chief Minister’s goal is to invest Rs 14,000 crore in these projects over the next two years. The initiative aligns with his broader vision of transforming Telangana’s urban centres into sustainable and resilient hubs.

Hyderabad will see several high-impact BGI projects, including the long-anticipated Musi Rejuvenation Project, which aims to restore the Musi river and its surroundings. Additional efforts include the revival of lakes and water tanks, improved drinking water supply, tackling urban flooding, enhancing waste management, and the creation of new urban parks.

The city will also see the launch of a new ‘Fourth City’ at Mucherla on the outskirts of Hyderabad, spread over 10,000 acres. This futuristic urban centre will serve as a hub for emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, medical tourism, sports, software, and pharmaceuticals.

During its recent visit to Telangana, the 16th Finance Commission, led by prominent economist Dr Arvind Panagariya, commended the state for its progressive urban development plans. Dr Panagariya lauded Telangana’s focus on urban infrastructure and future-ready planning, noting that urban development is often sidelined in many states’ agendas.

“Telangana is thinking far ahead in terms of urban planning, a move that deserves recognition,” Dr Panagariya remarked. Although urban development does not fall directly within the Finance Commission’s mandate, the commission acknowledged the state’s foresight and commitment to long-term urban sustainability.

The state government’s focus on urban planning and sustainable growth is seen as a pioneering approach, especially as cities around the world grapple with environmental and infrastructural challenges.