Government Promises Fair Relocation For Musi Oustees

Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) and Managing Director of the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation M Dana Kishore today assured the families displaced by the Musi riverfront project that no injustice would be done to anyone.

Speaking to the media at the Secretariat, Kishore, alongside HYDRA Commissioner A V Ranganath, said that the government was committed to safeguarding the welfare of the Musi riverfront residents.

He explained that Hyderabad's population exceeded one crore, and that the Musi river cleanup project had been initiated to mitigate the flood risks to the huge city. He said that the local residents were the ones who suffered the most during floods, making the project essential.

Drawing comparisons to other countries like Seoul where rivers were well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing, he said that steps had been taken to purify both the Musi as also the sewage flow in the city. This would also benefit agriculture in the region, he claimed.

"The State government will spend Rs 3,800 crore on cleaning lakes around Hyderabad. Additionally, Rs 10,000 crore will be allocated for improving the sewage system. These efforts are part of a comprehensive master plan set to begin soon," he said.

He however said that no work on the Musi river beautification project would commence until all the affected families were relocated.

"Self-help groups are being formed with women living along the riverbed, and 10,000 houses have been identified for relocation to 14 different locations. So far 50 families have been relocated, and another 200 are being moved today. Each family is being provided with a home worth Rs 20-30 lakh, and the process is being conducted lawfully and with care. There are 15,000 free double-bedroom homes available in the city, so there will bo no problem with finding alternate accommodation. Special centres have also been established to provide counseling and support to those who are mentally distressed by the displacement. Further, health desks have been set up in 23 locations, with all the necessary officials available to address concerns," he said.

Kishore said that the exercise would have many long-term benefits, as the plans for the East and West corridors along the riverfront were expected to boost the city's development, reducing travel times and creating business hubs.

The Musi river project would also preserve the city's heritage and enhance its natural resources, he added.