Telangana High Court bars land acquisition for Musi project

The Telangana High Court has issued an interim order restraining the state government from dispossessing landowners in Gandipet whose properties are slated for acquisition under the Musi Riverfront Development Project. The ruling comes in response to petitions filed by five landowners challenging the acquisition of 9.08 acres in Dargah Khalij Khan village.

The petitioners allege that the acquisition process has bypassed mandatory procedures, including social impact assessments and the proper consideration of objections. They further contended that the properties are located within a bio-conservation zone approximately 500 metres from the Himayathsagar reservoir. Legal counsel for the petitioners also argued that authorities were attempting to acquire a strip of 100-200 metres, despite a specified 50-metre riverfront buffer zone.

In response, the Additional Advocate General stated that statutory requirements are being followed and assured the court that no dispossession would occur until a mandated inquiry is completed. The court has adjourned the matter for two weeks, requiring the state government to submit a detailed response.