HC orders protection of Musi River zones, compensation for displaced

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court released a detailed order on the efforts of HYDRAA and other State government agencies to demolish unauthorised constructions in the Full Tank Level (FTL), buffer zone and river bed zone of the Musi River.

The court emphasised the protection of these zones as part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate the river and restore its ecological and urban significance. For the protection of those living in these areas, the court ordered a socio-economic survey to assess and rehabilitate affected individuals and families to suitable housing and support and use the government’s 2BHK housing scheme to find them accommodation.

The HC Single Bench of Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy adjudicated 41 writ petitions, filed by owners of the houses constructed in the Musi River Zone.

The petitioners approached the high court claiming that the revenue officials and the HYDRAA are interfering with their property by making efforts to demolish their residential houses/occupations. They informed the court that they had purchased their respective houses under registered sale deeds in an approved layout sanctioned by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

Further, they said they have construction permissions from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and constructed houses in compliance with the Building Rules, 2012, which were issued in GO 168.

After hearing the petitioners, Justice Bhaskar Reddy passed a detailed order, directing the State Government to strict implementation of the Supreme Court guidelines regarding the removal of unauthorised constructions within the legal proximity of Musi River and emphasised the protection of these zones as part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate the river and restore its ecological and urban significance.

The court ordered serving notices to encroachers and promptly removing illegal constructions in a time-bound manner.

For patta and Shikam patta lands under occupation, the court told the authorities to issue notices and acquire these lands by paying fair compensation as per legal norms. The government was asked to ensure the displaced families find accommodation. The government was asked to ensure livelihood support through interest-free loans, educational access and welfare schemes.

The court also said that encroachers should be barred from obstructing boundary surveys, with the police directed to provide security to officials conducting these activities.

The Telangana High Court recently expressed anger on HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath and Ameenpur mandal tahsildar in Sangareddy district for carrying out demolitions during the weekends and for the ad hoc demolition spree.

After the demolitions, the victim from Ganesh Constructions, represented by its proprietor N Venkata Reddy filed a writ petition and challenged the demolition of his building at Sri Krishna Nagar, Kistareddypet village of Ameenpur mandal. After hearing the arguments, the court directed the officials to appear before it and justify their actions.

“Why are you serving notices on holidays and demolishing the structures? How can the officials violate the previous orders of the court not to carry out demolitions on Sunday?” the HC questioned Ameenpur mandal Tahsildar. The Court also warned that the official would face necessary consequences if the official failed to act as per the law.