Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao launched the Musi Gosa Yatra from Bapughat in Langar House on Thursday, protesting demolitions linked to the Musi Riverfront and Gandhi Sarovar projects.
During the yatra, he visited Madhu Park Ridge Apartment and nearby localities. Residents alleged that authorities demolished houses in the name of riverfront development. Several families said they had already lost their homes. Women and elderly residents expressed fear of eviction.
After hearing their grievances, Ramchander Rao demanded an immediate halt to forced demolitions. He assured affected families that the BJP would stand by them.
Musi Gosa Yatra raises demolition concerns
Addressing the media, the BJP leader alleged that officials demolished houses of poor families and flats belonging to jawans under the Gandhi Sarovar project. He warned that the party would intensify protests if such actions continued.
Drawing a comparison, he cited the Sardar Sarovar project in Gujarat. He claimed planners there protected houses of the poor while promoting tourism and employment through scientific planning.
Clarifying his party’s stand, Ramchander Rao said the BJP does not oppose beautification of the Musi River. He stated that authorities must clean the river and remove pollution. However, he termed displacement of poor families in the name of beautification unacceptable.
He further alleged that officials targeted lands cultivated by farmers even when they did not fall under buffer zone or Full Tank Level limits. Moreover, he rejected claims that the Centre supported the Gandhi Sarovar project and said the State government executed it independently.
Accusing the State government of favouring real estate interests, he alleged that authorities demolished houses built with due permissions. Instead, he urged the government to prioritise water purification plants and control industrial waste and sewage flowing into the Musi.
Reiterating his stand, Ramchander Rao said the BJP would continue its struggle for the rights of landless and poor families affected by the demolitions.
