KTR Slams State Govt Over Musi Project Controversy
BRS working president and Sircilla MLA KT Rama Rao has accused the state government of adopting inconsistent yardsticks for land acquisition and property takeover for the Musi project.
- Lack of Transparency: KTR questioned the state government's decision to give notices to colonies, including Hanuman Colony, which is over 5 km away from the Musi catchment area, despite a 50-meter buffer zone on both sides.
He demanded clarity on the rationale behind inflating the project's original estimate of 16,000 crore to 1.5 lakh crore. KTR asked for details on the number of phases in which the project would be executed, the extent of land acquisition involved, and the number of houses proposed to be demolished, which he claimed could be over 10,000. He questioned the expansion of the buffer zone, stating that local revenue officers claim it has been increased, but the government has failed to specify the extent and the criteria used for such expansion.
KTR also criticized the selective approach to relief and rehabilitation (R&R) schemes, stating that apartment residents were offered flats, while the poor were ignored.
"Congress turned the Musi into a polluted drain and the same party is now attempting to exploit the situation for large-scale corruption under the guise of redevelopment," KTR said.
KTR revealed that direct communication with ADB officials revealed that no Detailed Project Report (DPR) had been submitted to them as of January 23, and therefore no loan approval had been granted. He added that on March 11, ADB reiterated that it has not approved any loan for the Musi project.
KTR reiterated that the BRS would strongly oppose any decisions taken without transparency, especially those that threaten people's homes, livelihoods, and properties in the name of the Musi project.