MP Etela Rajender Urges Central Funds in Parliament for Musi River Cleanup, Sewage Treatment, and Clean Drinking Water

Honorable Speaker Sir,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on the grant demands for the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Sir, with rapid urban expansion, state governments are struggling to provide adequate infrastructure and services to meet the growing population’s needs. The Central Government’s recognition of this challenge and allocation of thousands of crores under the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) for sanitation and safe drinking water facilities is commendable.

In the same spirit, I would like to bring to your attention the urgent development needs of my parliamentary constituency, Malkajgiri, one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Telangana. This constituency has become a major urban hub attracting people from various cities and states for livelihood. The rapidly growing population has placed immense pressure on existing infrastructure, making it difficult for local authorities to meet the rising demands. Therefore, I urge the ministry to allocate special funds for sanitation projects and drinking water facilities.

I would also like to highlight the environmental crisis Hyderabad is facing due to the pollution of its lakes with sewage water. Once known as the “City of Lakes,” Hyderabad’s water bodies, including Hussain Sagar, have become severely polluted due to unchecked sewage inflows. This has destroyed aquatic ecosystems, killed fish and other biodiversity, and led to severe pollution, contaminating groundwater and causing waterborne diseases and air pollution.

To restore these lakes, divert sewage, develop alternative wastewater treatment infrastructure, and strengthen Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to ensure only treated water enters the lakes, I urge the honorable Minister of Jal Shakti to allocate adequate funds. It is also necessary to redirect untreated sewage away from lakes through modern wastewater management systems.

Additionally, I would like to draw your attention to the severe pollution crisis affecting the Musi River in Hyderabad. Once the lifeline of the region, the river is now heavily polluted due to uncontrolled industrial and chemical waste. The toxic discharges and untreated sewage inflows have made the river unusable, contaminating groundwater and posing severe environmental and health risks. People residing near the Musi River suffer from toxic air, waterborne diseases, and other health hazards.

I urge the ministry to allocate sufficient funds and take necessary measures to enhance and upgrade the sewage treatment plants (STPs) along the river. Proper steps should be taken to prevent hazardous waste from entering the river.

A clean and rejuvenated Musi River is essential for environmental sustainability, groundwater restoration, and the overall well-being of Hyderabad’s residents. I request you to prioritize this matter and ensure the necessary funding is allocated promptly.

With rapid urbanization, newly developed colonies and slums are facing severe drinking water shortages due to a lack of proper infrastructure. As the population increases, the demand for clean and safe water is rising, but insufficient supply and groundwater contamination are making it difficult for thousands to meet their basic needs.

Since the Central Government actively supports water infrastructure projects, I humbly request financial assistance for Telangana to ensure clean drinking water for all.