Revanth Reddy blames residents for Madhu Park Ridge controversy, alleges apartments fall in river buffer zone

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended the demolition of Madhu Park Ridge apartments under the Gandhi Sarovar project, stating that the complex was built illegally within the 50-metre buffer zone of River Esa. He alleged that builders misrepresented the river as a drain to secure permissions in 2004.

Hyderabad: Amid the controversy surrounding the demolition of Madhu Park Ridge apartments as part of the Gandhi Sarovar project, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday added a new twist to the issue and shifted the blame on to the residents, alleging that the apartment complex was located within the 50 metre buffer zone of River Esa.

Without naming the apartment but mentioning the Gandhi Sarovar project, he alleged that the apartment complex, spread over seven acres on the banks of River Esa, had more than 50 percent of its area falling within the buffer zone. In 2004, the builder secured permission by projecting the River Esa banks as a nala and constructed the apartments, he alleged at the Women’s Day celebrations here on Sunday.

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In 2012, the rules were amended and the buffer zone for rivers was fixed at 50 metres and 10 metres for a nala. The same rules have been implemented since then. As per these rules, construction of any structures within the 50 metre buffer zone of River Musi or River Esa is not permitted. If any structures were constructed within this zone, they had to be cleared, he said.

“Even if the apartment is not demolished now, in future it will turn into a zero value structure. Buying or selling of the apartment flats will not be possible as it is in the 50 metre buffer zone,” Revanth Reddy claimed, adding that in lieu of the seven acres of apartment land, seven acres would be allotted to the residents as compensation. The required amount for construction of the existing square feet area would be deposited in the bank and the residents could form a society and construct a new apartment, he suggested.

Alleging that the entire episode had turned into a political controversy as every political party was extending sympathy to the residents, he said the issue could not be solved through sympathy as there were rules regarding the 50 metre buffer zone, which could not be changed. All apartments located in the 50 metre buffer zone along the river had zero financial value, he claimed.

While the State government was trying to offer alternative and better compensation, political parties were opposing the efforts. All these people were coming only to appear in the news. They want to convert the residents’ tears into votes, he alleged, stating that the representatives of political parties should approach the State government and discuss the compensation or alternatives to be offered to the residents. However, the opposition parties were not turning up for discussions and were instead opposing the government’s plans, he said.

A PowerPoint presentation on the Musi project would be made at Hotel Taj Krishna on March 13 and a Detailed Project Report would also be presented on the same day, he announced, also alleging that a false campaign was being conducted claiming that the Gandhi Sarovar project was being taken up at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore. The statue cost Rs 70 crore and the total project cost was Rs 200 crore, he claimed.

“Ambedkar Bhavan was constructed with Rs 220 crore and what is the loss you are suffering if Rs 200 crore is being spent for Gandhi Vignana Kendram,” Revanth Reddy asked opposition parties.

Complaints about mosquito menace and rising pollution in River Musi were being made by different sections, but the government was not being permitted to take up any initiatives. Without taking measures, how could River Musi be cleaned or pollution curbed, he asked. Also admitting that sanitation in the city was poor and drainage water was being released onto the roads, the Chief Minister recalled that 5,000 auto rickshaws were provided for garbage collection. However, the sanitary workers were not collecting garbage efficiently, he admitted.

Citing the Sabarmati riverfront project and the rejuvenation initiatives for the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, the Chief Minister asked why Hyderabad should not take up the River Musi rejuvenation project.

Earlier, the Chief Minister said that while there were authorities to examine news and views in print and electronic media, social media lacked such oversight. The Telangana government would examine the issue and was planning to create a platform for lodging complaints against fake news on social media. The matter may require a law and would be discussed during the Assembly session, he said.

Regarding allotment of houses for journalists, the Chief Minister said good news would be announced shortly. Efforts were being made to offer house sites without facing legal issues. The Supreme Court had struck down the earlier allotment. In Bharat Future City, residential colonies would be developed for MPs, MLAs and journalists, he said.