Musi Project: Telangana High Court asks for socio-economic survey, rehabiliation

Telangana High Court directs State government to remove unauthorized constructions along Musi River, relocate affected residents, and prevent sewage contamination as part of the Musi riverfront development project.

By LEGAL CORRESPONDENT

Hyderabad: Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday issued comprehensive directions to the State government regarding removal of unauthorized constructions along the Musi River. The order follows the filing of around 45 writ petitions by residents whose properties allegedly fall within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and Buffer Zones of the Musi River, which are being impacted by the proposed Musi riverfront development project.The court directed the Revenue Department to conduct a detailed socio-economic survey of the affected residents and ensure that they were relocated to suitable accommodations as per government policies. Officials were instructed to take immediate action to evict illegal encroachments from the FTL, River Bed Zone, and Buffer Zone, and to prevent sewage from contaminating the Musi River.

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The petitioners, many of whom had purchased homes in approved layouts sanctioned by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and constructed houses in compliance with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) rules, argued that their properties were being demolished without proper notice or inquiry. They contended that the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), responsible for enforcing the demolition, lacked the legal authority to interfere with their properties, as they had built their homes with valid permits and paid taxes.

On the other hand, State officials defended their actions, stating that the Musi Riverfront Development Project was part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate the river, improve water quality, and revitalize the area. They explained that a survey conducted earlier this year identified over 10,000 structures in the riverbed and buffer zone, with plans for rehabilitation of the affected families. So far, 319 families were relocated to 2BHK homes, and financial aid was being provided to assist them in restoring their livelihoods, they said.

Justice Bhaskar Reddy’s directions included a requirement for officials to remove all temporary or unauthorized structures within the river’s protected zones in a time-bound manner, following the due process of law. The court also ordered that any construction found in violation of the Building Rules of 2012 must be removed, and instructed the trial courts to follow specific guidelines before granting any injunctions that would hinder the removal of illegal encroachments. The court emphasized that the authorities must carry out their surveys and eviction processes without obstruction, and instructed police to provide necessary security for officials involved in the process. Additionally, criminal action will be initiated against those involved in illegal land grabbing or destruction of the riverbed, under the Telangana Irrigation Act and the WALTA Act, 2002.