Congress Counters Harish Rao’s Claims on Gandhi Sarovar Project

The ruling Congress party in Hyderabad has strongly refuted allegations made by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T Harish Rao regarding the proposed Gandhi Sarovar project near Bapu Ghat at Langar Houz, characterizing his claims as deliberate misinformation aimed at discrediting the government.

Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy issued a detailed clarification on Sunday, addressing specific concerns raised by the former minister. According to Reddy, Harish Rao falsely claimed that residents of Madhu Park Ridge Apartments would face displacement due to the project. The MP emphasized that the planned reservoir would be constructed on an entirely separate parcel of land that does not encroach upon the apartment complex area.

“The Gandhi Sarovar project location has been carefully selected and doesn’t overlap with residential areas as claimed by the opposition,” Reddy stated. He further explained that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) would only be prepared after the completion of land acquisition, based on the total area secured for the project.

The Congress MP questioned Harish Rao’s understanding of standard government procedures, noting that as a former minister, he should be well-acquainted with how infrastructure projects are planned and executed. “It’s surprising that someone with ministerial experience would make such baseless allegations without verifying facts,” Reddy remarked.

The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions between the ruling Congress and opposition BRS in Telangana, with infrastructure development becoming a key battleground. The Gandhi Sarovar project represents part of Congress’s urban development agenda for Hyderabad, aiming to enhance water management while creating a landmark near the historically significant Bapu Ghat area.

Reddy accused the BRS leader of engaging in a systematic misinformation campaign against the government, suggesting that such tactics were becoming a daily occurrence. “Instead of offering constructive criticism, the opposition has chosen to spread fear among citizens with unsubstantiated claims,” he said.

The controversy has taken an additional turn with Reddy alleging that the Madhu Park Ridge Apartments themselves were constructed with regulatory violations during the previous administration. According to the MP, the builders obtained construction permissions with only a nine-meter buffer zone, significantly less than the 30-meter buffer mandated by a 2012 Government Order.

“These permissions were granted during the previous corrupt regime, showing a pattern of regulatory failures that the current government is now addressing,” Reddy claimed, directly implicating the former BRS government in allegations of improper oversight of urban development.

In what appears to be a preemptive measure to address potential public concerns, the MP assured that the Congress government would provide fair compensation to any residents affected by regulatory corrections. He also promised legal action against both builders and officials responsible for approving irregular permits, stating that the government would ensure compensation costs are recovered from those found at fault.

The Gandhi Sarovar project represents a significant urban development initiative that aims to improve water management in the rapidly growing western parts of Hyderabad while creating a new landmark near Bapu Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

This dispute exemplifies the challenges facing urban infrastructure development in India’s rapidly growing cities, where land acquisition, regulatory compliance, and political opposition often intersect to complicate progress. As Hyderabad continues its expansion as one of India’s premier technology hubs, balancing development needs with proper urban planning remains a critical challenge for the state government, regardless of which party holds power.