Mission Musi on the Anvil

In a bid to clean up the mess in the Musi river the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) will engage the services of a consultancy to map the cost of the project for conservation and river front development of the water body. The project will clean up the stretch from Osmansagar and Himayatsagar to Bapughat in the city.

The body has invited request for proposals from the consultancies to conduct the feasibility study of Musi river development and preparation of conceptual design and plans demarcating the boundaries of Highest Flood Level(HFL) of the river.

HMDA officials told Express that the consultancy will cover restoration of river, bank protection and other development initiatives to create a recreational zone along the river. The zone will include approaches, restoration of bridges, construction of new connecting bridges linking the banks, development of tourist spots and recreational sports as well as landscaping of flood plains, construction of parking lots, toilets, wash rooms and drinking water facilities among other related facilities along the river bank.

The report will be prepared in accordance with the latest guidelines of National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD,Ministry of Environment and Forest), Central Government and Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) so as to enable HMDA to prepare a detailed plan report to request for funds.

The officials added that the report by the consultancy will include the hydrological study of the Musi River and verify and validate the data with present field conditions and latest rainfall characteristics. The width of the river shall be fixed along with the alignment of flood protection works. The consultant will have to collect the Musi river discharges from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation(GHMC) and Irrigation department and Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB).

Suggestions on works to be taken up for treatment of sewage inflow, improvement of river water in the recreation areas where water front activities and boating are being proposed will be a part of the report for synchronisation of overall Musi conservation and river front development.

The firm will also prepare the conceptual designs and plans for the river front development and works proposed, based on the land use pattern, master plan, town and country planning guidelines.

SOURCE:
NewIndianExpress