Telangana High Court Addresses Musi River Zone Encroachments
On Tuesday, the Telangana High Court, led by Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy, reviewed 41 writ petitions filed by homeowners in the Musi River Zone. These petitions were submitted by residents whose houses are under threat of demolition by authorities.
The homeowners argued that their properties were purchased legally through registered sale deeds. They claimed the layouts were approved by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and construction was done with valid permissions from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in accordance with the Building Rules, 2012.
After hearing the case, Justice Bhaskar Reddy issued a detailed order focusing on the protection of the Musi River’s ecological and urban importance. The court directed the state government to strictly follow Supreme Court guidelines for removing unauthorized constructions in the Full Tank Level (FTL), River Bed Zone, and Buffer Zone of the river.
The court also outlined several key measures to address the situation:
1. Removal of Illegal Constructions: Authorities were instructed to serve notices to encroachers and ensure the removal of unauthorized structures within a specified timeframe.
2. Compensation for Landowners: For properties like patta and Shikam patta land, officials must issue notices and acquire the lands by offering fair compensation as per legal norms.
3. Rehabilitation Efforts: A socio-economic survey is to be conducted to identify affected families. These families should be provided with housing under government schemes like the 2BHK housing program and offered support for their resettlement.
4. Restoring Livelihoods: Displaced families are to receive livelihood assistance, including interest-free loans, educational opportunities, and access to welfare schemes.
5. Protection of Surveys: Encroachers are prohibited from interfering with boundary surveys, and police are instructed to provide security to officials conducting these activities.
The court emphasized the need for a balanced approach to protect the Musi River while ensuring that displaced families are adequately supported. This decision is part of an ongoing effort to rejuvenate the river and restore its ecological and urban significance.
