24.09.2024
To,
Shri.A. Revanth Reddy Garu,
Chief Minister,
State of Telangana.
Sir,
The HUMAN RIGHTS FORUM, is a non- political, non-funded citizen’s voluntary body. It was established three decades ago, with the objective of protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights and internationally recognised rights of the people.
We appreciate the efforts of the Government to protect the water bodies in Hyderabad, Secunderabad and adjoining new areas of the two cities. The Govt. is acting in a tough manner to clear the encroachments around the tanks and illegal constructions came up all along the water bodies.
We learnt through News Papers and statements made by you that the Government is underder taking a project to revive the river Musi and beautify it with a budget estimation of Rs 1500 crore.
It is also a good thing that the polluted water of the river would be cleaned in the interest of the health of the city people and also in the larger interest of the people of 74 down stream villages, who depend on this water for irrigation.
At the same time we are very seriously concerned about the poor people who have been living in the Bastees (small dwelling areas) for the last six decades. These very people cleaned the sludge, scum and filth in the edges of the river and slowly Bastees have come up. Their life and livelihood of is entangled with the city.
We believe that a survey of the Basteess was done and about 15,000 dwelling places were identified as extended into the river bed.
News Papers and media is coming out with stories, which create tension in the people. Poor people living all along the Musi are spending sleepless nights with fear of being displaced suddenly.
On behalf of the people our organisation put forth following things for your consideration.
- The survey details be may be told to the people.
- Let the officers concern hold Bastee meetings and seek the opinions and suggestions of the people
- If there are some poor people living in the river bed area, prepare a rehabilitation plan after consulting the people.
- Let there not be sudden demolition of the dwellings of the poor.
Govt. should adhere to National and International guide lines while designing a rehabilitation package.
*Govt. should think of making people part of the project with no dislocation
Our Forum hopes that the Government would exhibit humility and adopts a humane approach.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely.
Dr. S. Thirupatiah,
State General Secretary.
S. Jeevan Kumar,
Coordination Committee member of Telangana & A.P. States
Syed Bilal,
Vice President, City Unit.