Hyderabad's ambitious Musi River revitalization project is hindered by extensive development within its 50-metre buffer zone, surpassing earlier limits. This zone, crucial for river protection, hosts 12,000 buildings and 200 open plots, including apartments, gated communities, houses, and graveyards. The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDCL) is mapping these encroachments, crucial for restoration plans. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao plans discussions with local legislators for support in acquiring affected properties. While removal is essential, fair compensation and rehabilitation are planned, including potential 2BHK apartments for affected families. Balancing development needs with environmental restoration remains pivotal for project success.
Hyderabad's ambitious project to revitalise the Musi River, a vital waterway that runs through the heart of the city, is facing a significant obstacle: extensive development within the river's 50-metre buffer zone. This zone, designated to protect the river from pollution and encroachment, is now occupied by an estimated 12,000 buildings and 200 plots of open land. These structures include large apartment complexes, gated communities, independent houses, and even graveyards. This large-scale encroachment, exceeding the earlier 30-metre buffer zone limit, has significantly complicated the beautification and restoration efforts.
The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDCL) is conducting a comprehensive survey to map the extent of the issue. This survey, expected to finish by the end of July, is a joint effort between revenue and irrigation officials. It aims to identify the exact location of over 12,000 structures within the buffer zone, along with the type of land they occupy (private land, government land, religious endowment land, etc.) and their ownership.
The government acknowledges the need for a balanced approach. While removing encroachments is crucial for the river's revival, the plan also includes fair compensation and rehabilitation for those affected. Private property owners, whose land falls within the designated buffer zone, will likely be eligible for compensation. This could include apartments, houses, or commercial properties built within the past few decades in areas like Attapur, Nagole, Ramanthepur, Malakpet, and Langer Houz, with permissions granted by GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) exceeding the previous buffer zone limit.
For families living in temporary structures on the riverbed, the government may offer permanent housing solutions, potentially 2BHK apartments. This would provide a significant improvement in their living conditions.
The success of the Musi River project relies heavily on collaboration. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao is reportedly considering holding discussions with legislators from all constituencies within Greater Hyderabad, particularly those representing Malakpet and Karwan, which have a high concentration of encroachments along the Musi riverbed. These discussions aim to garner their support, particularly in acquiring properties within the buffer zone.
The Musi River revival project presents a complex challenge. Balancing the need for development with the restoration of a vital waterway is crucial. The ongoing survey to identify the extent of encroachments and the government's commitment to fair compensation and rehabilitation offer hope for a solution that benefits both residents and the environment.The Musi River's revival has the potential to create a beautiful and sustainable waterfront for Hyderabad, but it will require careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to finding equitable solutions for all stakeholders.
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