Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said that Hyderabad's recurring flooding problems expose serious shortcomings in the city's infrastructure, emphasizing that even short spells of rain are enough to disrupt normal life and paralyze traffic in several areas.
Speaking at a public event, the Chief Minister remarked that branding Hyderabad as an international city is not sufficient unless adequate infrastructure is developed to support its growth. He pointed out that roads across the city frequently become waterlogged after brief rainfall, creating severe inconvenience for commuters.
Revanth Reddy attributed the situation to large-scale encroachments that have accumulated over the years. According to him, natural water channels that once carried excess rainwater into lakes and ponds have been obstructed, forcing water onto roads and residential areas.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government's commitment to removing illegal encroachments, stating that decisive action is necessary to protect public resources and prevent future urban flooding. He said the administration would continue its efforts without compromise, arguing that safeguarding lakes, government lands, and public assets is essential for the welfare of citizens.
During his remarks, Revanth Reddy also criticized political opponents who have questioned the government's proposed Future City project. Without naming individuals directly, he dismissed their objections and expressed confidence that such criticism would not find support among voters in upcoming elections.
"The rights over public lands and water bodies belong to the people," the Chief Minister said, adding that the government has a responsibility to ensure these assets are protected from illegal occupation.
He maintained that Hyderabad's long-term development depends on restoring and preserving its water bodies, improving civic infrastructure, and enforcing regulations against encroachments.