Musi Riverfront Development Project (MRDP) – Land Acquisition Begins, Features & Objectives for TGPSC exams

Why in News?

The Telangana government has initiated the land acquisition process for the Musi Riverfront Development Project (MRDP).

Musi Riverfront Development Project:

• A major urban development initiative in Hyderabad.
• Focuses on rejuvenation of the 55 km Musi River corridor

Core Objectives:

• Ecological Restoration: Cleaning the river by stopping sewage flow, removing silt, and establishing 100% sewage treatment capacity through a network of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
• Water Management: Linking the Musi to the Godavari River to ensure perennial clean water flow and mitigate long-term drought risks.
• Flood Mitigation: Redesigning the riverbed and floodplains to manage extreme weather events effectively.
• Urban Infrastructure: Developing 29 new bridges, an elevated East-West corridor, and mixed-use transit nodes.
• Cultural & Public Spaces: Creating parks, promenades, cycling tracks, and iconic landmarks like the Gandhi Sarovar at Bapu Ghat.

Phase-1 details:

Phase I focuses on a 21-km stretch with an estimated cost of ₹6,500–7,000 crore.

• Stretch: Covers two primary sections—9.5 km from Osmansagar to Bapu Ghat and 11.5 km from Himayatsagar to Bapu Ghat.
• Key Feature: The Gandhi Sarovar project at Bapu Ghat, which will include the world’s tallest Mahatma Gandhi statue (150-ft) and extensive green zones.