Stop demolitions along Musi: T BJP chief

Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao said there is no need to expand the buffer zone along the Musi river by demolishing homes of the poor, urging the state govt to halt evictions linked to the Gandhi Sarovar project.Addressing victims at the ‘Musi Gosa-BJP Bharosa' programme, he said demolitions carried out in the name of river cleaning were unjust and warned that the party would continue its agitation until affected families get justice. He alleged that houses belonging to economically weaker sections and even flats of soldiers were being pulled down as part of the project. Rao demanded an immediate stop to forced demolitions and assured that the BJP would stand firmly with displaced families. Citing the Sardar Sarovar project in Gujarat, he said development there was undertaken scientifically without destroying homes of the poor, while also generating tourism and employment. He rejected claims that the Centre was backing the Gandhi Sarovar project, stating it was solely a state initiative. While supporting efforts to beautify the river, Rao stressed that restoration should focus on making the Musi clean, pollution-free and free from foul odour without displacing vulnerable communities.