Revanth calls Hyderabad India’s safest city; jabs Bengaluru traffic, Delhi haze, Mumbai-Chennai floods

Revanth Reddy

• Hyderabad declared India's safest metro by CM Revanth Reddy
• Musi Riverfront project to revive river, enhance city livability
• Activists worry about displacement and environmental harm

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Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday declared Hyderabad the safest metro city in India, contrasting it sharply with the urban woes plaguing other major centres. Speaking after inaugurating the renovated Nalla Cheruvu lake, Reddy said the city will press ahead with reviving its lakes "even if some people don’t like it”, according to a News18 report.

He asserted that New Delhi, despite housing the President, Prime Minister and Supreme Court, grapples with an air pollution crisis "that is now beyond repair", while Mumbai and Chennai remain vulnerable to flooding from just one heavy rain that can inundate homes and apartments. Bengaluru, he added, is notorious for crippling traffic jams, with no one able to predict travel time to the airport.

“Today, all big cities are facing problems because of encroachment. Those cities are struggling, but Hyderabad is the safest city. This is a great city and we should make it even better by reviving the Musi River," Reddy said, according to a News18 report.

He warned that failing to revive the Musi now would mean future generations will not forgive today’s leaders, and insisted the Musi Riverfront development will continue “no matter what".

Reddy drew parallels with successful urban projects elsewhere, citing the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Yamuna Riverfront in Delhi and Ganga Riverfront in Uttar Pradesh. “They say they have revived their rivers and built a river economy. So why can’t we do the same? Why can’t we develop the Musi riverfront?" he asked.

The Musi Riverfront Development Project, a flagship urban renewal initiative by the Telangana government, aims to clean the polluted river flowing through Hyderabad, halt untreated sewage inflows and redevelop roughly 50-55 km of riverbanks into green corridors, walkways, parks and transport links, News18 reported citing officials. Proponents argue it will bolster environmental health, aid flood management, create public spaces and unlock tourism and economic potential.

Reddy emphasised that with Hyderabad’s population swelling to 13.4 million, the city urgently needs enhanced infrastructure to remain livable and beautiful. He assured that any poor families displaced by the project would receive compensation and new homes from the state government.

The ambitious plan has, however, ignited fierce debate. Activists and Opposition leaders have raised alarms over potential displacement of thousands from informal settlements along the riverbanks due to demolition and land acquisition drives.

Environmental groups have criticised it for prioritising real estate and beautification over ecological restoration, demanding transparency through detailed plans, environmental assessments and robust rehabilitation strategies. They warn that without safeguards, it could jeopardise residents’ livelihoods and the river’s long-term health.

Reddy dismissed opposition to the project as unfair to the city.