HYDERABAD: In what could be described as a Ramzan gift, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy announced on Thursday a Rs.2,000-crore development package for old city in Hyderabad, containing a slew measures — an underground drainage system, sewerage network, 8000 houses for poor, parks and round-the-clock drinking water supply.

Addressing the media inside the historic Charminar after a visit to some areas in the old city, he called it a `special package' and declared that more funds would be spent, if needed, for development and providing good amenities in the next four to five years. He was accompanied by MIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and MLA Syed Pasha Quadri.

Stating that old city had been neglected for many years, he said MIM and Congress leaders had recently pleaded for its development. His visit was meant to get firsthand knowledge of the basic conditions, he said, and added that "whatever is needed will be provided."

Dr. Reddy said a Rs.800-crore underground drainage and sewerage system would be completed in five years. Another Rs.100-crore scheme for supplying drinking water would be operational in two years and a Rs.120-crore project for development of drains implemented.

Road-widening from Charminar to Falaknama, launched 24 years ago, would be completed in six months, besides another stretch of 25 km. The `Save Musi' campaign' would be expedited, and Charminar pedestrianisation project completed soon.

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