Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMRL) is speeding up the land acquisition process for the Metro project in the Old City area. On Thursday, the deputy collector and land acquisition officer, Swarna Lata, led a land procurement process along the 7.5-kilometer Metro route between MGBS and Chandrayangutta. During this process, over 200 property owners were notified about the acquisition of their lands.
The HMRL plans to acquire approximately 1,200 properties along the route due to road widening and station construction. So far, notifications have been issued for 400 properties under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Swarna Lata explained that the authorities are working closely with property owners, informing them about the need to acquire land based on government valuation while also discussing potential negotiations.
In addition to land procurement, the officers are also guiding property owners through any ownership complications and addressing issues related to disputed lands. They are ensuring that the purchases are cleared of any legal issues. A similar land procurement event is scheduled to take place on September 4.
According to the HMRL, road widening is essential to accommodate the Metro project, as per the GHMC Master Plan. Roads are being expanded to 100 feet, but at Metro station locations, they are being widened to 120 feet. Currently, the road width varies from 50-60 feet between Darulshifa Junction and Shalibanda Junction and is 80 feet wide from Shalibanda Junction to Chandrayangutta. The impact on properties ranges from 10 to 25 feet, depending on the location. However, the affected portion may be greater near station locations and areas with sharp curves.
To ensure accurate assessments, HMRL has used Lidar drone surveys to get a 3D view of the affected properties and the surrounding areas. Engineers from HAML are also conducting physical inspections to evaluate the structural impact on these properties. Importantly, all 103 religious and sensitive structures along the route are being preserved using innovative engineering solutions, with adjustments being made to Metro pillars and station locations as necessary.
Property owners affected by the acquisition can seek clarifications and file objections at the office of the Land Acquisition Officer (LAO) and HAML within the stipulated period.
