Hyderabad

On Tuesday, authorities in Hyderabad initiated the demolition of vacated illegal houses along the Musi River bed as part of the Musi Riverfront Development Project. The demolition is taking place in the Malakpet constituency, specifically in Shankar Nagar Basti, where officials from the Revenue Department are overseeing the operation with police security.

The structures marked for demolition were labeled RB-X and included only those homes where residents had voluntarily vacated, agreeing to move to government-constructed double-bedroom houses. To assist residents, the revenue authorities arranged vehicles to help transport their belongings. Around 150 houses in Shankar Nagar were identified in a recent survey, with many residents willing to relocate.

However, some individuals raised concerns, stating they needed two to three more days to complete their move. They also complained that the double-bedroom homes provided were not fully ready. Despite opposition from residents in the riverbed and buffer zone, the Telangana government is proceeding with the demolitions. Opposition parties are supporting the residents and urging the government to halt the demolition plans.

Last week, a survey identified approximately 10,000 illegal dwellings and commercial structures for demolition along the Musi River and its surrounding areas. A preliminary survey indicated that there are 2,116 illegal structures on the riverbed and 7,850 in the buffer zone.