Concerns intensify over Musi beautification project

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Serious concerns over large-scale displacement and alleged misuse of public funds marked a round table meeting held at the Somajiguda Press Club on Thursday. The meeting, led by the BRSV along with various student organizations, brought together political leaders, activists, intellectuals, NGOs, and Musi-affected residents to deliberate on the implications of the proposed Musi River beautification project.

Participants strongly criticized the Congress government, alleging that the project is being pushed as a cover for mobilising lakhs of crores while putting thousands of homes at risk. They warned that the impact could be far greater than official claims, with lakhs of families likely to face displacement and loss of livelihood.

Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar questioned why the government has not released the Detailed Project Report (DPR) so far. Citing the example of Seoul’s river rejuvenation, where thousands of public consultations were held, he said the Telangana government has failed to involve citizens in decision-making. He also alleged that discussions were limited to real estate stakeholders rather than affected communities.

MLC Dr. Dasoju Sravan Kumar accused the government of pushing the project without transparency and raised concerns that corporate entities could benefit at the expense of the poor. He emphasized that under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, conducting a Social Impact Assessment is mandatory and any violation would be unconstitutional.

Speakers also expressed concern over the financial feasibility of the project, questioning how such massive expenditure is being justified given the state’s economic condition. Comparisons were drawn with global projects like the Thames River cleanup, which has taken decades and extensive funding, while the Musi project is being projected for completion within a short timeframe.

BRSV President Gellu Srinivas Yadav, V. Prakash, former Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Ravinder Yadav, former Higher Education Council Chairman Prof. Limbadri, RPI state leader Prof. Gali Vinod Kumar, and representatives from student organizations including TSU, AMSA, PDSU, DYFI, SSU participated in the meeting.