The state of Telangana has unveiled an ambitious environmental plan, Vision 2047, which aims to transform the state’s ecology. The plan focuses on protecting water bodies, creating green buffers, and restoring ecosystems. Hyderabad, the state’s capital, is at the center of this strategy, with plans to create a blue-green network linking rivers, lakes, and urban forests. The city’s Musi river is set to undergo a major transformation, with a 35-40 km stretch being developed with promenades, floodplain zoning, and sewage treatment plants.
The plan also includes the redevelopment of over 100 lakes, with wetland buffers, cycling loops, and nature-based stormwater treatment. A 1,500 km grid of green streets with shade trees, permeable sidewalks, and bioswales is also proposed. Additionally, a circular water grid for Hyderabad is planned, which will include a 158 km water supply line, 24×7 water supply, and 100% sewage infrastructure.
While the plan is ambitious, experts have raised concerns about the lack of realistic timelines, budget frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms. Environmental expert BV Subba Rao noted that the Musi proposal is more of a beautification plan than a river restoration plan, and that a scientific assessment of the river’s hydrology is needed before any new development takes place. He also pointed out that the plan does not address the issue of air pollution, which is a major concern in the city.
Other experts have questioned the transparency of the green corridor promises, noting that there is no public database of previous plantation drives and that existing green corridors are being cleared for development projects. They have also pointed out that the plan does not address the root causes of ecological loss, such as encroachment of forests and wildlife habitats.
The plan’s target of bringing one-third of the state under forest cover has also been questioned, with experts noting that the actual forest cover is below 17% and that 10-12 lakh acres are under encroachment. There is also no clarity on how the plan will be financed, with experts calling for a more detailed and realistic approach to achieving the ambitious targets set out in Vision 2047.
Overall, while the plan is ambitious and well-intentioned, it requires a more nuanced and realistic approach to implementation, with a focus on addressing the root causes of ecological loss and ensuring that the targets are achievable and sustainable in the long term. The state government needs to provide more details on the budget, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the plan is successful in transforming the state’s ecology.