KTR criticises CM Revanth Reddy's buffer zone demolitions, assures support to slum dwellers

HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao criticised the ruling Congress government and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over recent demolitions in buffer zones, vowing to stand by the poor and oppose any arbitrary actions taken by the government.

During a media interaction after a meeting with MLAs and MLCs from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area, KTR took issue with the Congress government's inconsistent policies regarding constructions in buffer zones, where slum dwellers' homes are being targeted for demolition while commercial structures are being allowed.

KTR questioned the logic behind these actions, stating, “If dirty water comes from a house, will fragrance come from a mall?” He accused the Congress government of double standards, as it was the previous administration that issued land pattas and registrations for these constructions. “For decades, the government collected water and electricity bills from these residents. Now, without notice, the Congress government is demolishing their homes,” KTR remarked, calling the actions reckless and unfair to the poor.

Assuring support for slum dwellers in Hyderabad, especially those living near the Musi River, KTR pledged that the BRS would stand against the bulldozers sent by CM Revanth Reddy. "No one should fear. We will not let Revanth Reddy's bulldozers destroy the homes of the poor," he asserted.

KTR also criticised the Congress government’s plans for the beautification of the Musi River, suggesting that the project lacked a clear vision and was being used to exploit builders and businessmen through blackmail and extortion. “The Musi beautification project is being used as a means to intimidate and collect money from builders,” he alleged, adding that such tactics would not be tolerated.

Addressing the Congress's promises to spend Rs 1.5 lakh crore on the project, KTR said that there was no need for such massive expenditure. He pointed out that under former CM KCR’s leadership, Hyderabad’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) network was nearly complete. “100% of the STPs are either operational or in their final stages, making additional spending unnecessary,” he clarified, highlighting that several STPs in areas like Kukatpally, Fatehnagar, Uppal, and Amberpet were already purifying water effectively.

KTR further explained that former CM KCR had approved Rs 1,100 crore for linking Kondapochamma Sagar to Usman Sagar, which would channel clean water into the Musi River. “Once the STPs are complete and Godavari water is connected via the Musi, clean water will automatically flow to Nalgonda district. There’s no need to waste Rs 1.5 lakh crore,” KTR said, criticising the current government's spending plans as unnecessary and extravagant.

He also attacked the Congress government for its failure to deliver on flood relief promises. “It’s been over a month since the floods, and not a single rupee has reached the affected families. CM Revanth Reddy promised Rs 17,500 to each victim in Khammam and Mahabubabad, but has he fulfilled this promise?” KTR asked, accusing the government of ignoring the needs of the poor while focusing on political interests in Delhi and Maharashtra.

KTR praised former CM KCR for taking a more humane approach to the Musi River project, noting that the former leader had carefully considered the impact on slum dwellers. “KCR directed us to revise the plans to ensure no harm would come to the poor and that no one would be displaced,” KTR stated, contrasting KCR’s leadership with the current Congress government’s approach.

KTR reaffirmed that the BRS would stand firmly with the people and oppose any government actions that disrupt the lives of the poor. “We will not allow this government to harm the rights of slum dwellers. If necessary, we will fight on behalf of the people to protect their homes and their rights,” KTR declared, promising to challenge any arbitrary decisions made by the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government.