Musi Riverfront Project: Residents protest land acquisition, reject TDR
HYDERABAD: Tensions are mounting along the banks of the Musi River as residents of several old colonies included in the first phase of the government’s Musi Riverfront Development Project staged a strong protest on Monday. Under the banner of the Musi Jan Andolan, a network of civil society organisations and affected families held a press meet at the Somajiguda Press Club, demanding a halt to land acquisition and rejecting government-offered Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
At the press meeting, community members and representatives from groups like HRF, CHATRI, NAPM, CARRSIRD, WTO JAC, and Climate Front spoke about what they called a “confusing and unfair” process of taking land that could force families who have lived in the area for many years to leave their homes.
Residents made it clear that their opposition is not to the beautification project itself but to the displacement it entails.
“We are supportive of the government. We will support the beautification project, but only on one condition, that the common people are respected and our homes are protected,” said Vasudevarao, a resident of Sairam Nagar Colony in Bandlaguda Jagir. “We are clearly stating that we will not accept TDR at any cost. These are our hard-earned homes.”
He and other speakers accused the government of changing the rules overnight. Vasudevarao pointed out that his colony is an HMDA-approved layout from 1989, built outside the then-mandated 9-meter buffer zone from the Musi, which was then classified as a rivulet. He alleged that the terminology has now been changed from ‘rivulet’ to ‘stream’ to justify a new, expanded buffer zone of 30 to 50 meters.
“Our colony was constructed even before the buffer zone regulations of 2002-03. Now, suddenly, notifications are being issued claiming our homes fall within a new buffer or ‘full river flood level’ line. This is a clear change of terminology and a mind game,” he added.
The emotional appeal was echoed by another resident, who recalled a lifelong connection with the river. “I am 65 years old. As a boy, I used to play and fish in the Musi. I dreamed of building a home on its banks. Today, I live in that very place, and now that dream is being shattered before my eyes,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. He recounted how the river, managed by the careful opening of Gandipet’s gates, never flooded their colonies, questioning the sudden urgency to clear the area.
Residents from other localities, including Vishal Nagar and Dream Homes, shared similar stories. Vishali from Dream Homes stated that for the past year and a half, uncertainty has loomed over their families. “They talk about our houses being demolished. We have no clear idea, only rumours and tension.”
The speakers said the government was not being open about its actions. They pointed out that even though a notice was given under the Rehabilitation Act of 2013, there was no proper study done to see how people in their neighborhoods would be affected. They also said that people have not been able to register their properties in these areas for two years because of the so-called safety zone, which has stopped property values from changing, and no one told the residents about this officially.
Sarth Babu, another resident, posed three pointed questions to the government and media. “First, we are losing our dreams. Our children are asking if they will have a home. Second, why put people in a confused state and bully them? And third, if the concern is floods, history shows our area is safe. Come, discuss with us. Use the empty spaces, protect the greenery, and find a way to do this project without impacting a single home.”
The Musi Jan Andolan network stated that this is not an isolated issue but one affecting many middle-class and working-class colonies along the river. Convener K. Sajaya reiterated that while discussions with the government have been held in the past, the current notifications ignore the aspirations of the people.
“The government must listen to what the people are saying. This is not about one colony; it is about the displacement of entire communities. We demand a halt to the notifications and a genuine dialogue that includes the residents who will be most affected,” she said.
The residents have vowed to continue their agitation until the government addresses their concerns and ensures the riverfront development does not come at the cost of their homes and heritage.
