Telangana Seeks Aga Khan Foundation’s Cooperation in Musi River Rejuvenation

Why in News?

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, on September 15, 2026. He sought the Aga Khan Foundation’s cooperation in rejuvenating the Musi River and restoring important heritage buildings situated along its banks.

Background

• The Musi River, a tributary of the Krishna, originates in the Ananthagiri Hills and flows through Hyderabad. It has played an important role in the city’s historical and cultural development.
• However, untreated sewage, solid waste, reduced natural flow and construction within the floodplain have affected its ecological health. Its restoration is therefore connected with pollution control, urban planning, flood management and heritage conservation.
• The Telangana Government approached the Aga Khan Foundation because of its experience in heritage restoration and community development. The Foundation had earlier contributed to the restoration of the Telangana Legislative Council building.

Areas of Proposed Cooperation

Musi River and Surrounding Areas

• The government sought institutional and technical cooperation for restoring the river and improving its surrounding urban landscape. The proposed engagement is expected to combine environmental rejuvenation with the protection of Hyderabad’s cultural identity.

Osmania General Hospital

• The government has decided to shift Osmania General Hospital to new premises being developed at Goshamahal Stadium.
• The old hospital building will be declared a heritage structure. The Foundation has been requested to undertake its renovation and conservation instead of allowing the historic structure to deteriorate.

City College

• The government also proposed restoration of City College, a prominent heritage building located on the banks of the Musi.
• Scientific conservation of the two structures could support the development of a heritage corridor along the riverfront.

Education, Health and Tourism

The State proposed wider cooperation with the Foundation in:

• Educational development
• Healthcare services
• Heritage and cultural tourism
• Institutional capacity-building

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V was also invited to participate in the Invest Telangana Global Summit, beginning on December 7, 2026.

Bharat Future City

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed interest in the proposed Bharat Future City and its development model.

The project has the following features:

• It is proposed near Hyderabad’s international airport.
• Singapore-based consultants are preparing its master plan.
• It is planned as a net-zero city.
• It will include a green zone covering approximately 15,000 acres.
• Global companies, including Amazon Web Services, have begun work on establishing units there.

A net-zero city seeks to minimise greenhouse-gas emissions through renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, low-emission transport, water recycling and scientific waste management.

Investment and Educational Outreach

• Telangana aims to become a USD 3-trillion economy by 2047 and contribute at least 10% of India’s GDP.
• Delegates from more than 100 countries are expected to participate in the Invest Telangana Summit and examine investment opportunities in the State.
• The government also highlighted agreements reached during its delegation’s visits to the United Kingdom and the United States. Institutions such as the London School of Business and Harvard University agreed to establish facilities in Telangana.

Conclusion

The proposed cooperation offers Telangana an opportunity to combine ecological recovery with the protection of Hyderabad’s architectural heritage. Transparent governance, scientific planning and community participation will determine whether the initiative becomes a model of inclusive and sustainable urban renewal.