In a representation submitted on April 2, 2026, to the Chief Minister, the forum said it supports the government's intent to rejuvenate the river. However, it objected to plans for constructing places of worship, including a proposed temple at Manchirevula, without first addressing pollution.

The forum noted that the foundation stone for a temple was laid on March 29, 2026, and that authorities plan to install a 108-foot statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of the river. It added that the proposed Omkareswara temple is expected to be completed within two years.

Past projects failed to achieve results despite heavy spending

The forum cited earlier efforts to clean the river. In 2001, the Water Board prepared a scheme titled "Abatement of Pollution of river Musi", which received approval from the Government of India. Around ₹405 crore was spent, but the desired results were not achieved.

It added that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation constructed a rubber dam near the High Court at a cost of ₹50 crore to control pollution, but the project failed and was later dismantled.

In 2011, another proposal titled "Musi Phase II" was prepared with an estimated cost of ₹750 crore and sent to the Centre. The proposal was not approved, and the state was asked to submit an integrated plan involving multiple agencies.

Subsequently, in 2012, a revised proposal worth ₹17,130 crore was prepared involving the Water Board, GHMC and HMDA. The detailed project report was not approved due to deficiencies.

River classified among most polluted stretches in country

The forum said the Musi has narrowed significantly due to encroachments and now resembles a drain in several stretches. Untreated sewage continues to flow into the river because of inadequate water management systems.

It cited findings of the National Green Tribunal, which classified the Musi as a priority-one polluted stretch. The Telangana Pollution Control Board had earlier identified it as one of the most polluted rivers in India in 2015.

The forum alleged that pharmaceutical companies and industries discharge untreated waste into the river, adding hazardous contaminants. Existing common effluent treatment plants have not been effective, resulting in severe ecological damage.

Forum questions religious projects in polluted river

The forum said the river's pollution has rendered the water unsafe for aquatic life, agriculture and human use. It added that cleaning the river is a long-term challenge that requires sustained effort.

"Under these circumstances, constructing places of worship without cleaning the river is not justified," the forum stated, adding that installing a Shiva statue in the polluted river would be inappropriate.

It urged the government to take up comprehensive cleaning of the Musi as a first priority and consider other developments only after restoring the river's health.

The representation was submitted by M Padmanabha Reddy, president of the Forum for Good Governance.