Bandh in Goshamahal Over Proposed Osmania Hospital Construction
On Friday, the Goshamahal area in Hyderabad witnessed a complete shutdown as a bandh was organized to protest the proposed construction of a new building for Osmania General Hospital in the locality. Shops and business establishments remained closed, leaving the area desolate.
Traders and residents of Goshamahal joined forces to voice their opposition. They argued that setting up a large hospital in the area would disrupt their livelihoods and interfere with the smooth functioning of daily life. Concerns were raised about the potential adverse effects on local commerce, traffic flow, and the environment.
The bandh was spearheaded by the Goshamahal Parirakshana Samithi, which highlighted the repercussions of establishing a tertiary hospital in the area. “Our business will suffer, traffic congestion will increase, and there will be a significant environmental impact,” said members of the Samithi.
To prevent any untoward incidents, a heavy police presence was deployed in the area. This was in response to threats aimed at stopping Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy from attending the foundation-laying ceremony for the hospital.
In an effort to contain the protests, Goshamahal Parirakshana Samithi president Purushottam was placed under house arrest. Similarly, Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh and senior BJP leader Mir Firasat Ali Baqri from the Old City were also kept under house arrest. The BJP suggested building the new hospital behind the existing Osmania General Hospital instead.
Meanwhile, Goshamahal TDP leader KD Dinesh proposed an alternative solution. He urged the Chief Minister to follow the example of Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, who relocated Musheerabad Jail and constructed Gandhi Hospital. Dinesh suggested shifting Chanchalguda Jail to make space for the new Osmania Hospital.
The protests and bandh reflect the deep concerns of Goshamahal residents about the proposed project and its impact on their community.
