102nd anniversary of Musi floods observed

HYDERABAD: On the 102nd anniversary of the Musi floods, which was observed on Tuesday, civil society groups in the city said that they would now seek heritage status for the tamarind tree that saved the lives of more than 150 people on that fateful day. As they gathered under the same tree to pay homage to the victims of the tragedy, the groups also decided to press for restoration of Afzul Park, in Osmania General Hospital premises, where the tamarind tree stands.Over 35 civil society groups and 200 individuals participated in the commemoration meet.
Apart from leaving thousands dead, the Musi floods of 1908 rendered a large number of people homeless and caused unprecedented damage to many parts of Hyderabad.
While speaking about this wide-spread devastation, M Veda Kumar, president, Forum for a Better Hyderabad (FBH) said, "Along with remembering the victims today, we should also remember our duty to preserve and protect Hyderabad's heritage." "There is also an urgent need to protect the illegal encroachment of lakes to avoid such tragedies in future," he added.
Apart from FBH, members of PUCCAR, Cova and Muchukunda Foundation also formed part of the gathering that included students, artists, environmentalists and architects among others.