Nine designs shortlisted for Musi beautification project

The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDC) has shortlisted nine designs for the Musi Riverfront Development Project. Officials said that they would zero in on the design which would suit the city best.

The designs have been sent to the state government and will be put in the public domain after getting the final approval. After finalising the designs, the MRDC will take up the beautification work from Puranapul to Chaderghat. Officials claimed that designs would be finalised after Independence Day and the tender process would begin from the month end.

According to sources, the MRDC has finalised designs provided by national and international consultants who participated in a competition. The designs were submitted on June 11, the MRDC had suggested a few changes and have recently shortlisted nine out of the 50 received.

"Out of nine designs shortlisted, MRDC will choose the best elements from each design and put them together for the final design," the official said.

A senior MRDC official said the sample designs propose construction of several parks in the 430 acres of government land available. To protect the river from encroachments, the MRDC would construct retaining walls and flood protection walls in lowlying areas.

The corporation will construct a rubber dam across the Musi besides developing roads on its banks. The official said that MRDC will set up 32 sewerage treatment plants (STPs) to minimise water contamination.

It would also use the Godavari and Krishna river water for further purification. After finalising the designs, budget estimates would be prepared and tenders to execute the project floated at the month end and the work will commence from January.

A total of 10 national and international firms had registered for the design competition announced by the state government.