Over 100 activists, environmentalists, academics from all across India as well as Telangana issued an urgent open Statement, on the eve of the launch of Musi Riverfront Development Project by the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Initiated by the National Forum of Urban Struggles (SHRAM) of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), the statement calls for an immediate and comprehensive review of the Musi Riverfront Project, from all angles, in a truly consultative, people-centric and ecologically just manner.
The signatories questioned as to why the Project is being hastened and demolitions of homes of poor working people being carried out, without even the Detailed Project Report (DPR), clearances and Rehabilitation Policy in place?
They express deep concern at the manner in which Chief Minister is proceeding without adequate consideration to the numerous socio-ecological, economic dimensions of the Project.
Reports indicate that alongside the Musi Riverfront Project, other Hyderabad-based projects like Future City, mega road and infrastructure hubs, would cost a whopping Rs.1.5 lakh crores. They said that this raises larger questions as to whether expenditure of such a scale is desirable, while crucial sectors like education, health, agriculture, housing and social security need more attention and investment?
They said that Musi Rejuvenation must mean preserving the riverine health and hydrological wellness and not opening up urban commons for capitalist commodification and real estate. Musi needs attention across its 267 kms stretch (including the 55 kms flowing through Hyderabad), addressing concerns of people living alongside it and farmers of 64 villages in the downstream, who are entitled to pollution-free water for irrigation.
They call upon the authorities to immediately stop all attempts at eviction G displacement. Those already unjustly evicted must be fully rehabilitated and the Govt must declare its Rehabilitation Policy forthwith, addressing aspects of dignified housing, livelihoods, education etc. in the event of further displacement of people from the river bed.
They made it clear that any rejuvenation should be in a manner that does least harm to the commons and riverine population, avoiding unnecessary eviction and land acquisition, especially for commercial interests.