Hyderabad’s Musi River beautification project has hit a significant roadblock. The Congress-led Telangana government’s plan to demolish thousands of homes along the river’s banks has been temporarily halted by a High Court order, following intense pushback from local residents.

The ambitious project, aimed at transforming the Musi riverfront, has been a source of controversy since its starting. Recently, authorities began marking houses for demolition and even evacuated some residents, signaling the government’s intent to move forward rapidly with the plans.

However, the affected homeowners, many of whom have invested their life savings into their properties, weren’t ready to give up without a fight.

In the fear of losing their homes, residents took legal action. In a significant victory for the community, nearly 100 homeowners successfully obtained stay orders from the High Court against the demolitions. Now, court notices are prominently displayed in various locations across Hyderabad, including Chaitanyapuri, Phanigiri Colony, Satyanagar, and Kottapet, serving as a visible symbol of the residents’ resistance.

This legal intervention has forced the Revanth Reddy-led government to pause its plans, at least temporarily. The stay orders gives breathing space for the affected families.

Despite the government’s promises of rehabilitation in the form of two-bedroom flats, many residents remain unconvinced. They argue that the emotional and financial value of their current homes.

-Sanyogita