Upstream Musi: Where doom and dream converge

The hydrologist Srinivas said, “What we see is a natural river bed and is not disturbed heavily. The banks are clearly distinguished and a proper channel of river. The flow channel is also clear. The slopes contain the flood during higher flows which is the natural condition of river.”
At Himayath Sagar, where another branch of the Musi originates, the river retains its natural conditions with visible slopes and depressions. Yet, the air here is thick with the stench of decomposing waste, with miscellaneous objects such as helmets, wedding trash, and other refuse lining the banks. The growing pollution overshadows the serene beauty of this upstream stretch, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.  
A foundation stone laid in 2012 by the then home minister Sabita Indira Reddy for BT road stands next to Musi at Kismathpur, Rajendranagar. Let alone the BT road, there is a graveyard and right next to it a huge luxury apartment is being constructed. Visible, graveyard and the Giridhar Propera – a luxury apartment are in the buffer zone, right next to each other. The gated community is next to Musi and graveyard. In Rajendra Nagar, the river faces a different challenge-an invasion of water hyacinth. This stretch of the Musi is choked with the plant, reducing its flow to a near standstill. While this section is free from encroachments, looming luxury apartments near the buffer zone threaten its stability.
Srinivas observed, “Musi River is coming from Himayath Sagar at Kismatpur. Inside the river, there are no encroachments but the river doesn’t have any flows and filled with algae and water hyacinth”.
Unchecked urban development here could tip the balance irreversibly.  The check dam at Upparpally offers a peaceful retreat, a stark contrast to the polluted stretches downstream. The dam retains water from Himayath Sagar, creating a small waterfall and deep pools. This spot, still untouched by urban chaos, attracts children from nearby areas.  People from the vicinity spend time here enjoying the peace surrounding the stretch fo the river. However, experts fear that the lack of maintenance and growing urban pressures could soon rob Upparpally of its serene charm.  
The hydrologist said, “Water is deep here. It is a check dam constructed on Musi, which is stopping the water coming from Himayath Sagar. There is a spill way, the excess water is going into Musi River”.
As the Musi reaches Bapu Ghat, its problems intensify. The site, which marks the confluence of water from Himayath Sagar and Osman Sagar, is overwhelmed by encroachments. Towering apartments and commercial establishments stand openly in the river’s buffer zone. The air is filled with a pungent stench, a mix of decaying waste and untreated sewage, making it difficult to appreciate the location’s historical significance. Plans for the tallest Gandhi statue here are underway, but the river’s deteriorating state casts a shadow over the project.  From Bapu Ghat, apartments and gated communities built years ago including the likes of Rajapusha, are visible. A proper life has been established along the banks at Attapur area abutting Musi with several residential apartments, including Pearl Heights and Rajapushpa’s Silicon Ridge. For the upstream, the hydrologist recommended, the need for immediate actions to protect and restore the upstream stretches of the Musi River:  Regular cleanup drives are essential at Gandipet and Himayath Sagar to preserve their natural flow. Removing water hyacinth from Rajendra Nagar can improve water flow and ecological health. Strict action against encroachments, especially near Bapu Ghat, is critical to restore the river’s width and flow.  Awareness campaigns and public participation can foster a sense of responsibility for the river.  
Despite its challenges, the upstream Musi holds the potential for revival. With timely interventions, this historically significant river can once again flow as a source of pride for Hyderabad and its people.