Deputy Mayor meets Osmania VC over nine slum issues
HYDERABAD: The long-pending issues of residents living in nine slums inside the Osmania University campus came up for discussion on February 3, with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Shobhan Reddy meeting Vice-Chancellor Kumar Molugaram.
Long-pending civic issues flagged
The Deputy Mayor, along with Telangana Trade Union Congress state president Mothe Shobhan Reddy, flagged chronic problems faced by residents, including inadequate drinking water supply, damaged roads, frequent power disruptions and lack of permanent housing. They said the issues had remained unresolved for decades despite changes in governments and officials.
Permanent rehabilitation proposed
The delegation said the nine slums together spread across about 72 to 80 acres, affecting campus security, expansion and infrastructure development. As a permanent solution, they proposed relocating residents to nearby areas by constructing double-bedroom houses on about five acres. This, they said, would restore nearly 70 acres of land fully to the university for its development needs while ensuring justice to long-time residents.
Highlighting Osmania University’s historical and academic significance, the Deputy Mayor said temporary measures would not address the problem. “Osmania University is a pride of Hyderabad. Issues hindering its growth must be resolved with a humanitarian approach, keeping both the residents’ rights and the university’s future in mind,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor Kumar Molugaram responded positively and assured that the proposals would be discussed with concerned government departments. He said a detailed report would be prepared and submitted to the state government. Residents expressed hope that the meeting would lead to a lasting solution to the long-standing issue.
