Musi riverbed demolition: 200 workers, sledgehammers, crowbars

On Tuesday, revenue authorities began the demolition of houses situated on the Musi River bed at Chaderghat, Narsingi, Jiyaguda, and other locations, amid significant police presence.

The demolition process, which involved over 200 workers using sledgehammers and crowbars, commenced early in the morning. The scene saw heated arguments between local residents and revenue officials, with locals criticizing the authorities for the rushed nature of the demolitions.

In the initial phase, the revenue department, alongside officials from the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL), focused on the Chaderghat area. According to Hyderabad Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) K Mahipal, "A total of 163 residents voluntarily opted for 2 BHK houses and have been allotted these accommodations. They are currently in the process of moving out. However, another 700 families still need to vacate their homes."

Despite the allocation of 2 BHK flats, several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the new accommodations, citing a lack of essential facilities like water supply and restrooms. One woman voiced her frustration, stating, "Even though our houses are being demolished, we will rebuild them here. How can you expect people to live in flats without basic facilities?"

Similar grievances were echoed by other affected families in the Chaderghat area. Those displaced by the Musi River project were relocated to a 2 BHK colony in Chanchalguda. However, tensions flared when a clash occurred two days prior between the original 2 BHK beneficiaries and the new arrivals from the Musi River course.