Hyderabad: Land acquisition notifications issued for Gandhi Sarovar Project

The State Government has issued preliminary land acquisition notices for areas including Bandlaguda Jagir and Kismatpur under the proposed Gandhi Sarovar Project. Residents have 60 days to file objections, while protests continue over fears of displacement and property loss.

Hyderabad: In a swift move towards taking the proposed Gandhi Sarovar Project forward, despite the mounting resistance from local residents and civil society groups over potential displacements, the State Government has issued primary land acquisition notifications for Kismatpur, Bandlaguda Jagir and neighboring areas, including Upparpally.

The project has become a focal point of a huge debate and protests by families at Madhu Park Ridge apartment complex at Bandlaguda Jagir, which, according to the local revenue authorities, apparently falls in the acquisition zone.

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Many affected residents, however, have continued to argue that their homes were built legally and that a sudden shift in policy threatens their livelihoods and properties.

On social media, the hashtag #MusiRiverfront has become a hub for residents questioning the necessity of such vast acquisitions for a beautification project, with some arguing that their homes are nearly two kilometers away from the actual riverbed.

Responding to such concerns, Rajendranagar RDO K Venkat Reddy on Tuesday confirmed that the legal process of land acquisition is now in full swing. “According to the Land Acquisition Act, we have issued the primary notification, and residents have 60 days to submit their objections,” the RDO stated.

He emphasised that the government is providing multiple avenues for transparency, allowing residents to raise their concerns at the RDO office, the Tehsildar’s office, or the local Collector’s office.

Addressing the anxiety among the local residents regarding potential evictions, Venkat Reddy made it clear that there was no question of seizing properties. “There is no question of seizing properties abruptly. The Land Acquisition Act has laid out due process and we will follow all rules and regulations. We intend to negotiate with the residents so that they do not face any hardships. We will try to provide them with the maximum benefit so that the issue is resolved amicably,” RDO Rajendranagar said.

The senior Revenue official urged residents in the region to submit their objections (if any) in the coming 60-day period so that each and every objection can be addressed thoroughly.