Musi Jan Andolan seeks re-evaluation of riverfront project

Musi Jan Andolan has urged Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka to undertake a scientific and transparent re-evaluation of the Musi Riverfront Development Project, seeking alternatives to minimise displacement and calling for a halt to land acquisition.

Hyderabad: A city-based NGO, Musi Jan Andolan (MJA), urged Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, who is also the chairman of the Cabinet sub-committee, to undertake a comprehensive, scientific and democratic re-evaluation of the Musi Riverfront Development Project.

Members of the NGO, who are supporting hundreds of families whose properties will be affected as part of the Musi Riverfront Development Project, on Friday released a copy of their representation to the media.

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“We are urging the Deputy CM to re-evaluate the entire Musi Riverfront Development Project with seriousness and openness. The sub-committee cannot limit itself to merely overseeing the implementation of a fundamentally flawed riverfront model,” the representation read.

The Deputy Chief Minister was requested to ensure a comprehensive, scientific and democratic re-evaluation of the project’s concept and design from a true river-basin perspective, explore genuine alternatives that minimise displacement, and place ecological restoration and people’s rights at the centre of planning.

The NGO also demanded immediate withdrawal or suspension of all land acquisition notifications issued for the project, including those for the Gandhi Sarovar Project component, and said there should be no further land acquisition or interference with properties until all information is disclosed.