Telangana Aspires to Lead as the ‘Blue–Green Economy Capital: Minister Sridhar Babu

Telangana is advancing a comprehensive long-term strategy to position itself as the ‘Capital of the Blue–Green Economy’, State IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu said on Tuesday. Participating in a panel discussion on “Musi Rejuvenation & Blue–Green Infrastructure in Hyderabad” at the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, the Minister outlined the government’s vision for climate-resilient and environmentally responsible urban development.

Mr. Sridhar Babu said the State was simultaneously expanding infrastructure that supports blue–green economic growth while accelerating transformative environmental initiatives, including the Musi River Rejuvenation Programme, HYDRAA, and the Net Zero Bharat Future City framework.

“Urban development cannot be measured by physical infrastructure alone. Clean air, clean water and a healthy environment are equally essential responsibilities of the government,” he said, noting that certain difficult policy decisions were being taken in the interest of future generations.

The Minister said the State had initiated a large-scale programme to revitalise the polluted Musi, including proposals to draw Godavari water to restore the river as a sustainable urban lifeline. The HYDRA initiative, launched to protect lakes and ponds from encroachment and to revive local water systems, had gained broad public support over time. “Many who were initially sceptical of HYDRA are now among its strongest advocates,” he observed.

Highlighting ecological restoration efforts, Mr. Sridhar Babu said Telangana was developing urban forest blocks that could serve as a model for other States. He cited the 85-acre Kotwal Guda Eco Park, which now hosts more than 8,000 birds representing 19 rare species, as a visible outcome of the State’s conservation initiatives.

He said the State’s Vision 2047 places high priority on developing the Blue–Green Economy, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental resilience, sustainable growth, and improved quality of life in urban areas.