HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has signaled his support for HYDRAA to address illegal constructions along the Musi River by announcing plans to build 2BHK houses for the approximately 11,000 residents living near the riverbanks. This move suggests that the Chief Minister will soon authorize HYDRAA to clear encroachments within the 50-meter buffer zone of the Musi River.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister made it clear that unauthorized encroachments will be removed as part of the Musi Riverfront Development Project (MRDP), and those affected will be relocated. HYDRAA has been actively demolishing illegal structures within the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones of water bodies in Greater Hyderabad and is expected to focus on the Musi River's buffer zone soon.
The state government’s MRDP aims to rejuvenate the 55-km stretch of the Musi River flowing through the city, with an estimated cost of over Rs 1 lakh crore. Revenue officials have identified several illegal constructions in areas like Chaderghat, Moosarambagh, Puranapul, and Attapur.
To advance the MRDP project and achieve its rejuvenation goals, the state must clear these encroachments, which have accumulated over the past two decades. Before commencing demolition, the government plans to offer rehabilitation and compensation packages to those affected, acknowledging the humanitarian aspects despite the structures being illegal.
In April 2024, the GHMC had already halted the issuance of permissions for new layouts, buildings, or developmental activities within 50 meters of the Musi River.