Musi beautification project faces criticism as demolition drive expands, over 1.5 lakh properties at risk

HYDERABAD: Despite the High Court's objections, the Congress government is proceeding with the demolition activities under the Musi River Beautification Project.

The project has demarcated boundaries along the Musi River, stretching 45 kilometres from the twin reservoirs to areas beyond Greater Hyderabad. This expanded boundary marking is expected to impact over 1.5 lakh properties, potentially displacing thousands of residents.

Officials have designated two key demarcation lines: the red line marks the riverbed area, while the blue line indicates the Full River Level (FRL). Based on this classification, demolition and marking efforts are in full swing, with structures already being marked along the riverbed and its adjoining areas. Initial estimates indicate between 60,000 to 70,000 constructions in the riverbed (red line) area, and around one lakh properties fall within the FRL (blue line) boundary. Furthermore, an additional buffer zone extending 30 to 40 metres beyond the FRL is being considered, possibly bringing even more properties under threat.

The ongoing marking process has created widespread anxiety among residents, especially since revenue officials have already begun sealing properties in areas such as Chaderghat, where 20 houses have been cleared and their residents displaced. Authorities are also preparing to continue demolitions in Musanagar, Rasoolpura, and Vinayaknagar, targeting structures as part of the first phase of the beautification drive.

The project, developed with input from revenue, irrigation, and geo-mapping institutions, aims to transform the areas along the Musi River. However, the current marking under the Musi Development Alignment Map has revealed a significant increase in properties affected - far beyond initial estimates of 30,000 to 40,000 constructions. With new boundaries and expanded buffer zones, officials now estimate the impact to include around 1.15 lakh properties, raising fears of mass displacement without proper plans.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has prioritised the Musi Beautification Project, increasing its budget to Rs 1.5 lakh crore within three months. Residents and activists have particularly voiced concerns over the large-scale demolitions without clear plans for adequate compensation or resettlement.