Nandanavanam project: demand to stop eviction process

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JUNE 14. The Andhra Pradesh Congress(I) Committee, the State units of the CPI and the CPI(M) have pledged their support to the struggle launched by the people displaced by the Nandanavanam project on the Musi river bank here and demanded that the eviction process be stopped immediately.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, secretary of the CPI State Council, Mr. B.V. Raghavulu, secretary of State CPI(M) committee, Mr. P. Sudhir Kumar, general secretary of APCC(I) and Mr. Aziz Pasha, secretary of City CPI, also wanted that the displaced people be rehabilitated close to their existing houses by constructing multi-storeyed complexes.

They also expressed surprise at the Government ordering dumping of debris into the Musi near Chaderghat causeway and said it would lead to loss of lives and property. "Instead of taking up desilting of water sources as was done in other parts of the State, the Government has ordered dumping here. If it fails to stop this, we will take up "shramdan" with the help of the people to remove the debris", they said.

Their other demands included making public Nandanavanam project details, restoration of houses demolished in Chaderghat Darwaza area, withdrawal of cases booked against women who agitated against this demolition and action against police and revenue officials who acted in a rough manner.

Mr. Sudhakar Reddy said the Government was taking contradictory steps. While the Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, insisted on "Neeru Meeru", rainwater harvesting and desiltation of water sources, the departments at the lower level were bent on filling up the Musi river course, to put up commercial complexes.

Mr. Raghavulu said the Government seemed to be giving more importance to fancy projects than human lives. About 20,000 people living in 13 slums were affected but the Government seemed to be totally unconcerned. This was despite the Chief Minister's oft repeated assertion on involving all stakeholders.

Mr. Sudhir Kumar said the people were living on the Musi bank for over 30 years and earned their livelihood by taking up small jobs like pulling rickshaws. Evicting and rehabilitating them at far away places meant snapping their lifeline.

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Section  : Southern States
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