Harish Rao alleges real estate agenda behind Musi project, demands withdrawal of eviction notices

BRS leader T Harish Rao has accused the Congress government of pushing a real estate-driven agenda under the Musi Riverfront project. He criticised eviction notices served to residents of Madhu Park Ridge apartments, alleging the project was designed to benefit corporate interests rather than beautify the river.

Hyderabad: BRS Legislative Party deputy leader T Harish Rao accused the Congress government of pursuing a real estate-driven agenda under the guise of the Musi Riverfront development and rejuvenation. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of eviction notices issued to residents of Madhu Park Ridge apartments and adjacent areas.

Harish Rao, along with former Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy, MLAs G Sudheer Reddy and Madhavaram Krishna Rao and other BRS leaders, visited families facing displacement due to the proposed Musi Riverfront Project. The BRS reached out to the apartment residents on the directions of the party chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, with assurance to stand with them.

Speaking on the occasion, Harish Rao said the government was attempting to demolish homes of middle-class families without due process and justification. He stated that the project was aimed at clearing land for corporate interests. “This is not Musi beautification. It is real estate exploitation to benefit corporate companies,” he said.

Stating that behind every decision of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy there were land dealings and commercial interests, he cited earlier controversies involving land parcels linked to the Hyderabad Central University, HILT policy, Future City and other projects, alleging a pattern of land-driven decisions.

The BRSLP deputy leader questioned the legal basis of the eviction notices, pointing out that there was no Detailed Project Report (DPR), no fixation of Full Tank Level (FTL), no environmental clearance, and no social impact assessment. He questioned the legality of authorities threatening residents with demolition if they did not vacate.

Harish Rao asserted that the BRS was not opposed to cleaning the Musi river but objected to the demolition of houses in the name of development and displacement of scores of families. “Develop vacant lands if required, but do not destroy the dreams of middle-class families,” he said. He recalled that the apartments were the lifelong investment of middle-class families who had taken bank loans to build their homes.

He recalled that during the BRS regime, sewage treatment plants worth Rs 3,800 crore were taken up and DPRs were prepared to bring Godavari River water from Kaleshwaram to rejuvenate the river, without any displacements.

The former Minister also questioned the State’s financial priorities. He stated that while the government cited lack of funds for fee reimbursement, retirement benefits, social security pensions, and Rythu Bharosa financial assistance, it was spending heavily on projects including a new Rs 100 crore camp office for the Chief Minister in Jubilee Hills and high-profile events like Miss World event, football match with Lionel Messi and others.

“The contractors’ bills amounting to Rs 20,000 crore had been cleared even as welfare payments were delayed, for commissions,” he remarked, adding that the Congress failed to build new houses in Hyderabad since assuming office.

Responding to emotional appeals made by residents, Harish Rao assured them that the BRS would raise the issue in the forthcoming Budget session of the Assembly and pursue a legal battle if necessary.