Hyderabad: In a major boost to Hyderabad’s riverfront transformation, the ministry of defence (MoD) has granted working permission to the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) to proceed with the flagship Gandhi Sarovar project at Bapu Ghat in Langar Houz.The clearance covers 83 acres of defence land at the Artillery Centre, Golconda, paving the way for one of Telangana’s most ambitious urban rejuvenation initiatives. The land is spread across Bandlaguda, Hyderguda and Qila Mohammad Nagar.In a communication to the state govt, the MoD’s department of defence (Lands) said the President of India had sanctioned working permission on the land, valued at Rs 533 crore, under the equal value infrastructure (EVI) principle. Under this arrangement, MRDCL is required to assist local military authorities in creating equivalent infrastructure in exchange for the use of the land.Chief minister A Revanth Reddy expressed gratitude to defence minister Rajnath Singh, the MoD and the Indian Army for their cooperation in facilitating the project.Taking to X, the CM said: “This approval marks an important milestone in the govt of Telangana’s vision for the comprehensive rejuvenation of the Musi River and the transformation of its riverfront into a vibrant ecological, cultural and public asset for the people. We are grateful for the support and cooperation extended by the ministry of defence and the Indian Army.”MRDCL managing director E V Narsimha Reddy said the approval comes with certain conditions, including depositing of Rs 533 crore in an escrow account within two months of the land being handed over.“We have to deposit Rs 533 crore within two months from the date the land is handed over to us. Before that, a joint survey will be conducted by the state govt and the local military authority (LMA) to demarcate the boundaries of the 83-acre parcel. This exercise will be completed soon,” he told TOI.With the inclusion of the defence land, the project footprint will expand to nearly 200 acres, comprising 83 acres of defence land, 63 acres of govt land and around 40 acres of private land currently under acquisition.The proposed development includes a 100-metre tower topped with a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a check-dam, an iconic gateway, the Gandhi National Museum, a library, a handloom centre and educational institutions.Centred around Bapu Ghat, where Mahatma’s ashes were immersed, the Gandhi Sarovar project is envisioned as a major cultural and ecological landmark within the broader Musi River rejuvenation programme. Officials say it will serve both as a tribute to the Mahatma and as a catalyst for sustainable urban development in Hyderabad.
