In a gesture aimed at raising awareness about the Musi River’s pollution and connecting directly with the people of Nalgonda, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to embark on a symbolic 5 km walkathon along the Musi River course on his birthday, November 8, 2024.

A Personal Commitment to the Environment and the People

The walkathon, which will take place in the heart of the Nalgonda district, is more than just a celebratory gesture. It is an opportunity for CM Revanth Reddy to engage with the residents who live alongside the river and are directly affected by its pollution. The Musi River, once a lifeline for many communities, has faced severe environmental degradation over the years, causing distress for farmers, local communities, and wildlife.

“The pollution of the Musi River has been a long-standing issue. This walk is not only about raising awareness but also about hearing the voices of those who live near the river and are suffering due to the poor water quality,” CM Reddy shared in a statement ahead of the walkathon.

The Human Cost of Pollution

For local residents like Ravi, a farmer from Nalgonda, the pollution of the Musi River has affected more than just the environment—it has harmed livelihoods. "The water that used to irrigate our crops is now unsafe. We've seen a decline in crop yields, and the pollution has affected our way of life. We hope the government takes more concrete steps to clean up the river and ensure a sustainable future for us," Ravi said, highlighting the direct impact on farmers.

Similarly, Meena, a school teacher in Nalgonda, expresses concern over the health implications. “Children from our community often play by the river, but it’s so polluted that we are worried about their health. I’m hopeful that this walk will draw more attention to the issue,” she adds.

A Spiritual Start to the Day

Before the walkathon, CM Revanth Reddy will visit the Yadagirigutta Narasimha Swamy temple to offer prayers with his family. The visit to the temple, known for its spiritual significance, will mark the beginning of his birthday celebrations and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. The ritualistic puja is also seen as a way to seek divine blessings for the welfare of the people and the success of the river’s restoration efforts.

Listening to the People

After the walk, CM Reddy plans to meet with farmers and other sections of the community affected by the Musi River's pollution. By engaging directly with the people, he hopes to understand their concerns and gather suggestions on how to tackle the environmental crisis. The Chief Minister has emphasized that this walk will be a stepping stone in developing a comprehensive action plan for cleaning the river and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region.

“We need to work together with the people to restore the Musi River to its original glory. It’s not just an environmental issue—it’s a health, livelihood, and future issue. This walk is a step toward finding solutions that will benefit all those who depend on the river,” CM Reddy remarked.

A Vision for a Cleaner, Healthier Future

The walkathon, while symbolic, represents a larger vision for the Musi River's future—one that includes a cleaner, healthier river for future generations. For the people of Nalgonda, this initiative provides hope that their voices are being heard and that their struggles with pollution will no longer be ignored.

As the Chief Minister walks along the river’s course, his efforts are expected to spark further conversation and action around environmental sustainability and the restoration of vital water bodies across Telangana.