Telangana Gets Defence Nod for Gandhi Sarovar Project, Revanth Reddy Thanks Rajnath Singh

Hyderabad, June 2026 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Ministry of Defence for granting permission to undertake work on the ambitious Gandhi Sarovar Project at Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad, a key component of the state government’s Musi River rejuvenation initiative.

The Chief Minister described the approval as a significant step toward the transformation of Hyderabad’s riverfront and the restoration of the Musi River ecosystem. Taking to social media platform X, Revanth Reddy thanked the Defence Minister, the Ministry of Defence, and the Indian Army for extending their support to the project.

He said the approval represented an important milestone in Telangana’s vision to comprehensively rejuvenate the Musi River and develop its banks into a vibrant ecological, cultural, and public space for residents and visitors alike. The Chief Minister noted that the project would contribute not only to environmental restoration but also to preserving the historical and cultural significance of the area.

The Ministry of Defence has granted working permission to the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDC) to undertake development activities on defence land located at Bapu Ghat. According to official communication sent to the Army authorities, permission has been accorded for work on 83.814 acres of defence land situated within the Artillery Centre area of Golconda.

The approval was granted under the Equal Value Infrastructure (EVI) framework, under which infrastructure benefits accruing to the Army will be created in exchange for the use of defence land. The land approved for the project has been valued at approximately Rs 533.42 crore.

Officials said the permission would enable the Telangana government to move forward with plans to convert Bapu Ghat into Gandhi Sarovar, a landmark project envisioned as a world-class destination combining education, culture, spirituality, history and environmental conservation.

The proposed Gandhi Sarovar Project is a major element of the state’s broader Musi River Rejuvenation Programme, which seeks to restore the river’s ecological health while creating sustainable urban infrastructure and public spaces along its banks.

The project carries immense historical importance because Bapu Ghat is located at the confluence of the Esa and Musi rivers, where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in February 1948. Telangana authorities believe the site holds deep national significance and can be developed into a major memorial and heritage destination reflecting Gandhi’s ideals and legacy.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had personally taken up the matter with Rajnath Singh on multiple occasions and sought the Centre’s support for securing defence land required for the project. He had also invited the Defence Minister to attend the proposed foundation stone-laying ceremony for the project.

Earlier, the Telangana government had requested the transfer of around 98.20 acres of defence land to facilitate the development. While permission has currently been granted for 83.814 acres, officials view the decision as a breakthrough that will allow the project to move into the implementation phase.

State government officials believe Gandhi Sarovar will emerge as a major cultural and environmental landmark, complementing efforts to restore the Musi River while creating a unique public space dedicated to the life, values and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Team Maverick.