Activists urge Telangana CM to address Musi River damage by Aditya Kedia Realtors LLP
Hyderabad: Environmental activists Lubna Sarwath and Chakradhar S have raised concerns over the ongoing damage to the Musi River bed, which they attribute to the activities of Sri Aditya Kedia Realtors LLP. Their concerns were brought to the forefront following a field survey conducted on December 3, 2024, revealing increased destruction and pollution in the river since the end of 2023.
Sarwath has submitted a formal representation to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging immediate action to address the situation. The letter references earlier representations made on September 1, 2024, and October 23, 2024, where the activists had called for the demolition of illegal constructions and the removal of encroachments by the real estate firm.
Sarwath's letter highlights the operation of a Red Hazardous Category RMC (Ready Mix Concrete) plant by Sri Aditya Kedia Realtors LLP within the Musi riverbed. She argues that this industrial activity is contributing significantly to the destruction of the riverbed, with construction work and fencing further encroaching into the area.
In her representation, Sarwath included geo-tagged photographs taken during her survey (17.38454° N, 78.35035° E), which document the extent of the damage. The photos show evidence of the RMC plant’s impact on the riverbed, along with pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and garbage being dumped into the Musi River. Sarwath warns that these activities are threatening the ecosystem of the river and its future sustainability.
"The damage caused by the RMC plant and construction activities on the north side of the river is clear. The situation is worsening with further encroachments, including fencing inside the riverbed. In addition to this, pollution from industrial effluents and sewage is severely affecting the river," Sarwath stated in her letter.
The activists have also criticised local authorities, particularly the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDC), for allowing these activities to continue despite the Chief Minister’s focus on the issue. They pointed out that pollution and encroachment in the Musi River have worsened over the past year, with hazardous industries like the RMC plant establishing operations along the riverbed.
Sarwath has called for a comprehensive approach to restore the Musi River, beginning with the dams downstream. She urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to take immediate steps to halt the destruction and cancel the permissions granted for these activities. Additionally, Sarwath raised concerns about the lack of transparency on the Musi website, which she claims does not comply with Section 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
