HYDERABAD: Musi Jan Andolan (MJA), a coalition of civil society activists, environmentalists, human rights groups and residents living along the Musi riverbanks, has opposed the Telangana government's handling of the Musi Riverfront Development Project.
The coalition includes residents of Shiva Puri Colony, Dattatreya Colony, Sri Vigneshwara Colony, Dream Homes Colony, Karywell Homes, PG Colony, Vishal Nagar, Sai Ram Nagar and Madhu Park Ridge Apartments. These colonies lie both upstream and downstream of the river.
Residents reject TDR notification
In a statement, MJA and affected residents rejected the newspaper notification dated February 10, 2026. The notification began the process of landowners surrendering land for Transferable Development Rights (TDRs).
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The group alleged that the government has kept river boundary maps and buffer zone details confidential. No public maps clearly show river limits, buffer areas or affected structures.
The group cited the Chief Minister's Assembly reply dated January 1, 2026. In his reply, he said officials were still preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and river boundary map. Despite this, the government continues to move ahead with the project, the group said.
Exemption from RFCTLARR Act questioned
MJA also objected to G.O.Rt.No. 921, MA&UD (Plg.I), dated December 16, 2025. Through this order, the state exempted the Musi Riverfront Development Project from Chapters II and III of the RFCTLARR Act, 2013.
The group said this exemption removes the need for a Social Impact Assessment, public consultation and expert appraisal. It called the move a denial of citizens' participatory rights and demanded that the government withdraw the order.
According to MJA, officials have started land acquisition without publishing the DPR or river boundary maps. Citizens cannot engage meaningfully without clarity on the project's scope, the group said.
In his Assembly reply, the Chief Minister said the DPR would cover the stretch from Osman Sagar to Gowrelli and from Himayath Sagar to Bapughat. He listed six components: Blue Master Plan, Green Master Plan, Land Use Master Plan, Marquee Projects, Infrastructure Master Plan and Financial Master Plan.
MJA said authorities have not finalised any of these master plans. The group urged the government to avoid a piecemeal approach to what it calls an integrated project.
The group demanded free and informed consultations with affected residents. Many families still repay housing loans. Retired senior citizens and children would face hardship if authorities acquire their homes, it said.