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| 2.6.2009 |
| Musi Walk |
The FORUM FOR A BETTER HYDERABAD and ANDHRA PRADESH ENVIRONMENT CELL jointly organida walk along the Northern Bund of MUSI River from Attapur bridge towards East direction of MUSI upto the place where the proposed sewerage treatment plant Pumping Room is coming up. It is organised on 2nd June 2009 starting from PILLAR NO. 108 of P.V.NARASIMHA RAO EXPRESS WAY i.e at the beginning of the ATTAPUR BRIDGE at 4.00 P.M by witnessing the photo and map exhibition arranged at the place, proceeded along the MUSI upto the STP pumping point,. The walk aimed at to know the projects under taken by different Departments and to pool expert advises , related other issues of prominence, popular conflicts and professional inputs from wide ranging fields concerning MUSI River.
The participants were the members from various environmental & civil society groups viz, APEC GROUP, SAVE LAKES SOCIETY, Hyd, IAAB, Hyd, SAVE ROCK SOCIETY, CHATRI, COVA, CHELIMI FOUNDATION, HERITAGE WATCH, PUCAR, APSA and AMAN VEDIKA, CHILDREN’S ACADEMY etc.,
Mrs.C.S .Ramalakshmi, IFS , Addl .PCCF APEC, Mr. Raghuveer,CCF,APEC joined the programme. The resource persons were Mr. Raghava Rao, CGM, HMWSSB explained the details about the STP, Mr. Sridhar, Superintending Engineer, GHMC explained about the measures taken up for conservation of MUSI, Mr.Chandra Shekar Reddy, RDO,Hyd explained about the revenue matters of Musi and its protection. Mr.M.Vedakumar, president, Forum for a Better Hyderabad and Mr. Sarjjad Shahid, Centre for Deccan studies explained to the participants about the initiatives undertaken for conservation of MUSI and MUSI Charter
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Proceedings and Gist of ROUND TABLE
On 16.01.2007 between 10.30a.m. To 5.00 p.m.
Perspectives on conserving MUSI River: Technical & Institutional issues |
Mr. Veda Kumar, President, FBH, Coordinator NRMSH welcomed all the participants viz., District Collectorates , APPCB, MCH & HUDA, NGOs & Governmental bodies and introduced the Round Table in the context of the MUSI conservation pilot project. He briefed them about coalition of Humboldt University of Berlin & FORUM which is responsible for NRMSH (natural resource management for sustainable Hyderabad) as a part of 7 such pilots with various coalitions and their partnerships. And also briefed out the workshops and site visits conducted so far, viz., Pre-Workshop (PCMR-T&II), Squatter settlements’ workshop & Farmers’ workshop and site visits to Naraya rao kahtwa, walk along Puranapul and Jagjivanram nagar
Dr Muthyam Reddy, professor at Osmania University, enlightened the participants of the workshop with his seminal work, raised two items for discussion with officials of MCH
1.Nandanavanam Project will Continue or not?
2.Distribution of Water
Mr.K. Narasimha Reddy, representing Praja Chaitanya Vedhika, brought some historical facts as he ruminated about bygone years. He spoke about ayacuts that are present in the river basin and displayed a map consisting of ayacuts prepared by him
Mrs.Jasveen Jairath, Director, SAAKHI, congratulated the efforts of FBH, CHATRI & GAMANA. She pointed that combined efforts of all the NGOs alone can achieve the goal of NRM rather than isolated, discontinuous attempts by the same. She added there should be Advocacy participation.
Ms. Nirmala, representing AKSHARA, shared her personal experiences in the field of livelihood around Musi with the participants. She gave a brief statistics of migration trend. She pointed out there should be Regional Plans instead of Rural & Urban plans separately.
Sri Jeevankumar, representing CHATRI, encapsulated the statistics, Livelihood patterns and exertion of Bastes and squatter settlements surrounding Musi. He also barbed regarding people’s participation.
Bro.Verghese, President, CHATRI, expressed his view in regard of Nandanavanam project and also established Nandanavanam Parirakshana
Samithi. He also pointed the contribution of Rag pickers to the National Income.
Mr.Sanjay Jaju, Commissioner, MCH, shared his views wherein he said its ‘Good to hear that our civic society is working on Musi’. He briefed out about the work carried out by the MCH dept. He assured that neither the government is turning a blind eye towards the issue of rehabilitation.
Prof. Kodarkar started with a slogan “Water for Nature”. He spoke regarding the Ganga Action plan ad Global Water Partnership. He also spoke regarding the water shed area of Musi River and pointed out that it is being demolished by urbanization and the saroor nagar – karmanghat line is a double Decker system of sewage nalla and storm water drain flowing together.
Sri K.S.Reddy, representing HUDA, shared his views regarding Green Hyderabad Environment Programme and he outlined the fact of 500mts of buffering on the both sides of Musi in Save Musi Campaign. He further spoke regarding the Public Private Participation.
Sri.P.N.Naidu, representing APPCB, gave a small note on government’ various proposals & projects. He also spoke concerning Night patrolling team and their works.
Mr.Vaghre, representing HMWS & SB, briefed about the Board’ ongoing projects viz., STPs and their capacity up gradation along with planned completion dates in 2007
Sri.V.Ramana, representing MCH, briefed out their ongoing work in Heritage precinct. He also spoke regarding, sewer lines are embedded that come in this zone and raised a point of the continuous water supply.
Mr.Rao Chelikani, Convenor, Residential Welfare Association, FBH spoke about the need for re-conceiting the conflicting interests in the restoration of Musi River. All the issues of this kind, we need to have a strong umbrella or a platform for strong action from the civil society.
Mr. Maheep Singh Thapar, urban and regional planner, spoke about tools and techniques to conserve Musi and drafted out the works done by the various dept. viz., MCH, HUDA, CPCB in hold of Musi. He coined that Engineering, Social, Legal issues should be kept in mind.
Mr. Shankar, Save Musi Movement-Activist of Edulabad village spoke about the plight caused by polluted river waters and apathy of responsible public institutions.
A collage of 1:50,000 scale map was displayed during the Roundtable with the location of various nalas, lakes, Municipalities and MUSI River and settlements around
The Maps, photographs of the field visits, Workshops, meetings were displayed along with the Google Earth prints screening Musi River.
Other participants
Prof.Vasanth Rao
Syed Akhter Ali, Indian Resource Management and Technological Consultants
Sri Ashfaque of CHATRI
Mr.Prashanth, GAMANA
Mrs.Sangamitra Mallik, Convener Solid Waste Management, FBH
Mr. Mahesh of CHATRI
The Round Table came to an end with vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Veda Kumar, President, FBH.
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M.Vedakumar
Co-ordinator
Musi Conservation Study
Pilot Project |
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The round table on 16th of January 2007
at Institute of Engineers, Khairatabad with concerned Government
Departments, environmentalists and NGOS
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Dr muthyam reddy, Dr debara,FBH,
Mr vedakumar, president,FBH &
Mr jeevan kumar,CHATRI |
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Mr sanjay jaju, IAS., commissioner of MCH
speaks to the participants |
NRMSH- MCSPP displays final maps at round table |
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Mr M.Vedakumar, President, FBH explains the regional map of Hyderabad to MCH commissioner & other participants
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Mr. Vaghre, HMWS&SB, speaks to the participants |
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ABOUT HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY PILOT PROJECT
HYDERABAD AS A GROWING CITY OF TOMORROW
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SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOOD and HEALTH SECURITY and
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT |
Musi Conservation Study Pilot Project: Co-Ordinator,Vedakumar.M,President,FBH
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Project funded by Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) Germany |
Why Hyderabad?
1. Clearly observable evolution of problems of sustainability and the drivers of undesirable change
2. Extreme dualism: groups benefiting from economic growth and others struggling for basic needs
3. Status of Hyderabad as a city of knowledge generation, to be used for problem solutions
4. Location in a semi-arid agricultural region with grave effects of huge migration
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Project objectives:
1. To develop a sustainable development framework (SDF) and based on that, a strategy for perspective action plan (PAP) for Hyderabad focusing on core issues.
2. To institutionalize selected pilot project at community level and to organize learning processes with application of domestic knowledge for their adoption.
5. To strengthen institutional innovation and governance structure reforms in Hyderabad
3. To develop strategies of communication and cooperation to address gender issues.
4. To secure adoption of PAP by politicians, groups, agencies by using capacity building measures developed beforehand |
Chronology of events:
Project Leader Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Konrad Hagedorn and the Coordinator of the Project, Dr. Ramesh Chennamaneni met important actors in Hyderabad to appraise the Project details, discuss the scope of the Project and take commitments for their cooperation in relevant fields on 27th of August 2004.
The first workshop took place in Berlin with German and US participants from 13-15th July, 2005
The second workshop took place from 8-10th of August 2005 in Hyderabad with Indian participants.
Concepts, Time Table, Resources, and Persons of Pilot Project Implementation Based on the exchange of concept notes and agreements were finalized in the plenary session on 8.3.2006, of an International Workshop from 1-10th of March, 2006.
This preparatory phase is of two year period and would end with the submission of the final Proposal in June 2007.
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Details of pilot projects and capacity building measures as a pre-qualifying phase:
1. women’ consumer cooperative formation and food provision: COVA, IfG, ZdK & URSOZ
2. private public partnerships in Green technologies and SMEs: (CII, IHK, CULTGEO)
3. natural resource management and urban land rights advocacy: (FORUM, RESS, RCUES)
4. design of internet based information tool: (IBD, NEXUS)
5. food & nutrition security/ water & food quality & public health implications: (MCH, ASCI, IFPRI)
6. traffic and transport master plan: (PTV, CTDH, HUDA)
7. rural-urban migration and new agricultural programs: (IGWDP, RESS)
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AIMS & OBJECTIVES –
Progress made since FBH has taken up the Project
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE HYDERABAD |
Humboldt university zu Berlin
&
Forum for a Better Hyderabad |
Aim:
To find sustainable solutions of environmental, social and institutional issues for Hyderabad city, with specific emphasis on issues regarding Musi River |
Objectives:
1. Comprehensive listing and analyses of earlier projects’ successes and failures
2. Identify and list all stakeholders with respect to overall environment & Musi River specific
3. To provide new knowledge about the inter-linkages & mutual conflicts between environmental protection and livelihoods of people connected with Musi River
4. To do an institutional analysis using primary and secondary data collection methods
5. To provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their reasons, suggestions & opinions by organizing workshops.
6. Comparative study of similar case studies from across India and other countries.
7. Preparation of future action plan for further study and implementation. (PHASE II, 2007)
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Partners in the pilot project:
Forum for a Better Hyderabad: lead partner
§ Department of resource economics, Humboldt university & IFPRI
Associated members to the Pilot Project:
§ Campaign for Housing And Tenurial Rights: CHATRI
§ GAMANA
§ International Water Management Institute
§ Academicians/ other initiated citizens
Progress so far…
1. In a series of meetings with CHATRI, GAMANA, adviser(s) & technical team, a work plan had been prepared
2. Priorities regarding project proceedings were finalized
a Delineation of region by means of overlapping parameters
b Finalizing Base map(s) scale and drawing formats
c Finalizing layers: settlements, industrial estates, communication, natural aspects etc
d Preparation of database formats as spreadsheets
e Preparation of timeline based on milestones/ events/ projects
f Delineation of responsibilities and scheduling of meets/ deadlines
g Draft format design of report and its contents…
3. A web group had been launched: www.yahoogroups.com/group/musilife/
4. Two field visits had been organized
ü Visited Narayanrao katwa (diversion weir) & Edulabad Lake on 12th November 2006
ü Organized a walk from puranapul to amberpet along the River Musi to make note of sewer and natural streams entering the River & also the progress of HMWS&SB activities on 23rd November 2006
In both visits people were interviewed and opinions regarding the environmental & social statuses. Their willingness to voice concerns in a public platform was gauged.
5. Total 1 pre-workshop and 3 workshops are scheduled in the coming 30 days.
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30.11.2006 JNTUSPA pre-workshop
04.12.2006 edulabad workshop for farmers
12.12.2006 musi bastee workshop for slum dwellers
19.12.2006 ……………… Perspectives on conserving MUSI River: technical & institutional issues
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6. Secondary data collection/ collation/ analysis of institutional frameworks, previous projects, major public protests/ initiatives, Acts & Regulations regarding issues at hand is in progress.
7. Base Map is prepared by pooling required maps from various sources such as Survey of India, IWMI, JNTU-SPA & JNTU-CSIT.
8. Database formats & schedule of meets and deliverables are discussed and finalized.
9. Project report is expected to complete by 31st December, 2006.
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| Report of Field Visit 1 to Edulabad on 12 th November,2006 |
Narayana Rao Kathwa is designed in 1930. -
Beside that Narayana Rao Kathwa land is used for vegetables.
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Narayana Rao Kathwa water is mixed with other cheruvus Edulabad and Pothuraj Gudam cheruvu.
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In this Narayana Rao Kathwa Jeedimetla Industrial waste is also adding.
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Overall there are at least 24 to 25 kathwas.
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In 1965 Villagers only dig the land for their use near Edulabad cheruvu.
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Before that under this cheruvu there are only 500 acres of land is cultivable.
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Present under this cheruvu nearly 1200 acres of land is cultivated
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Both Edulabad and Pothuraj Gudam people are depend on this Edulabad Cheruvu.
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In 1970’s period fishes are imported Calcutta, Bombay from here. But now due to the polluted water production of the fish production is less..
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The surplus water of Edulabad cheruvu is gone through the Pothuraj Gudam cheruvu.
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People came from Kurnool, nalgonda districts to Edulabad and their occupation is cut the grass and that will be taken to Chandrayana Gutta.
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They are working here from the past 5 years and they will cut the grass through out the year.
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People are dependent on that canal for their livelihood
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The people who are living in Edulabad are facing many problems for drinking water. Manjeera water is available for the people weekly once, so people buy the water for their purposes.
M.Vedakumar
Co-ordinator
Musi Conservation Study Pilot Project |
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| Drainage pipeline of Musi |
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A WALK ALONG THE RIVER MUSI
From Jiaguda (Puranapul) to Amberpet (STP) |
As a walk along the river Musi from puranapul to amberpet causeway shall cover all the major sewerage & storm water outfalls and also the work sites of HMWS&SB’ STPs, Drainage pipes & retaining walls along the tributaries of the river, such a walk had been taken by all the partners of NRMSH on 22 nd day of November 2006. Sri Vedakumar, Project coordinator & president of FBH, Sri Jeevankumar of CHATRI & Sri Umesh Varma of GAMANA, Sri.Suresh Reddy along with the technical team comprising of Sri Kishore Chunduru of Goodearth Office, Sri S Venkateswar rao, Kum. Kalyani Peddada and Kum. Saraswati, Freelance filmmaker started from jiaguda proposed STP site.
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The team documented by means of photography & videography the condition of puranapul & its replacement bridge along with numerous unofficial sewerage outfalls from adjacent slums & small household industries.
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Further the team surveyed progress of HMWS&SB’ girt chambers along the river for purifying sewage as a part of Jiaguda STP
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Sri Vedakumar initiated a discussion with the washer men of the locality who have open-to-air structures erected in the river bed and also dug-wells that supply water for washing. The washer men opined that the SAVE MUSI might hamper their occupation and that proper compensation mechanisms shall be deployed.
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Further the team reached State Central Library, Afzalgunj and studied the private lands with plantations along the river banks and also the solid waste segregation sites occupying large tracts of leveled land.
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From Afzalgunj the team reached MGBS (imliban) and documented the condition of Nizam times’ erstwhile storm water drain which is presently functioning as sewage drain. The same site also witnesses the progress of yet another grit chamber which necessitated removal of old river retaining wall’ components. Both the retaining wall and the storm water drain are of cultural & historical importance and the team tagged the issue to be followed so as to make sure that the same are restored once the Board’ work is finished.
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The same site is also a good example of choked/ plugged drains so as to allow grass growing in river bed and also the sedimentation degree which requires grading/ dredging.
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From thence the team reached amberpet via Hindu Cremation Grounds where agriculture/ grasslands in river bed are in profusion. Though the Cremation ghats are of cultural and communal importance and part of the river’ fabric, rationalizing the location/ extents/ operative mechanism is felt by the team members.
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At the same site, opposite to the Cremation Grounds, condition of a tributary to Musi which is now reduced to a sewage drain is documented including the encroachment degree along the length of it.
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Kum. Saraswati documented and interviewed various sellers and workers in a nearby grass market regarding wages/ prices/ costs etc.
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Before Amberpet STP site, the team watched and documented the ongoing work of MCH and HMWS&SB’ implementation of Kirloskar recommendations i.e., the demarcation of banks, removal of encroachments, erection of concrete retaining walls & dredging of bed.
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A visit to the STP is also pondered upon and a convenient date is to be fixed soon.
With regards,
M.Vedakumar
Co-ordinator
Musi Conservation Study
Pilot Project
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| chemical Effluents being let into MUSI |
Musi bed constuction of new Drainage line |
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| water flowing at Narayan rao katwa |
widening f Nallla's taht are being letinto riveriMusi |
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| Garbage Disposal Dumpyard |
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Proceedings and gist of pre-workshop“Perspectives on conserving MUSI River:
technical & institutional issues”on 30.11.2006 at JNTU SPA |
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Mr. Vedakumar, President, FBH, Coordinator NRMSH welcomed all participants and introduced the pre-workshop in the context of the MUSI conservation pilot project. He briefed them about coalition of Humboldt University of Berlin & FORUM which is responsible for NRMSH (natural resource management for sustainable Hyderabad) as a part of 7 such pilots with various coalitions and their partnerships.
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CHATRI volunteers sung a song on MUSI LIFE throwing light on the plight of people dependent on the river, its banks in the context of river pollution, displacement issues.
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CHATRI’ Mr.S. Jeevan Kumar spoke about the peri-urban agriculture downstream Musi and displacement of people due to various government projects related to Musi since late 1990s.
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GAMANA’ Mr Umesh Varma spoke about public Institutions responsible for Musi’ present state & lack of coordination among them, which also incidentally is their scope of work in the coalition as is Tenurial rights CHATRI’.
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Dr. KL Vyas, O.U, representing SAVE LAKES spoke about the importance of lakes and tanks in the context of semi-arid nature of Telangana region as a viable solution of irrigation viz., minor irrigation. He opined that disappearance of lakes is at an alarming rate despite their attempts to make HUDA notify some 170 lakes within HUDA limits earmarked for conservation. He also suggested formation of smaller committees for various aspects/ tasks involved in the project’ future stages so as to assure participation by other NGOs.
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Dr Muthyam Reddy, professor at Osmania University, enlightened the participants of the workshop with his seminal work, “In search of sustainable development: Musi ‘green belts’ blues” outlining the pollution loads in Musi waters and their effects on health of people, cattle & crops in downstream villages.
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Mr.K. Narasimha Reddy, representing Praja Chaitanya Vedhika, brought some historical facts as he ruminated about bygone years, throwing light on nature of legal documents viz., pattas, that they were mere permissions to use land for a specific purpose but not full ownership. He spoke about alternatives for ‘augmentation by tapping distant & multi use water sources’ in the context of city’s increasing water needs and HMWS&SB’ approach/ proposals and projects.
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Mr Maheep Singh Thapar, urban and regional planner, spoke about tools and techniques that might strengthen the NGOs to confront the lacunae in town and regional planning viz., information in terms of spatial form rather than just non-spatial, which can be used to visualize, inform, caution, suggest the decision makers. He opined that natural resource management is the key for exploding urban growth, particularly in the context of new satellites where the damage is likely to be lesser than city proper.
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Dr. V.K Bawa, IAS (Retd.), Convenor, urban Planning & Management, FBH, raised a question during Mr.Maheep Singh’s speech i.e., Why is HUDA declared to the public as Master plan 2020 is going to be implemented when earlier master plans have not been implemented properly?
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Ms.Dr.J. Kedareswari, Director of State Archeology, shared her personal experiences in the field of heritage conservation efforts along Musi river with the participants. She declared that the people of the city shall take natural resource management as token of gratitude or at least as simple repayment for all that the river gave to the city and its inhabitants, while reading out excerpts out of a song she had written in the person of River Musi as a woman. She pointed that combined efforts of all the NGOs alone can achieve the goal of NRM rather than isolated, discontinuous attempts by the same.
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Mr.H.V Raghava Rao, CGM(E) of HMWS&SB briefed about the Board’ ongoing projects viz., STPs and their capacity up gradation along with planned completion dates in 2007. He also spoke about the Water Master Plan prepared by AIC consultants, Mumbai which foresees a further need of 250 mld up gradation by 2011, not too far from 2007.
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Mr Shankar,Save Musi Movement-Activist of Edulabad village spoke about the plight caused by polluted river waters and apathy of responsible public institutions. He detailed further the costs incurred by villagers for various maladies, loss of traditional occupation for fishermen, depletion of crop yields, higher pollution levels of upper and even deeper aquifers which are making villages downstream completely bereft of any sources of safe drinking water.
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Ms.Anneith, HU Berlin, Resource Economist, who is studying Lakes, shared her experiences with other participants. She opined that the workshop is a powerful tool and that the continuum can establish rigor when all the participating NGOs come together and that the system of Chain Tanks is unique and key to semi-arid regions.
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Mr.K Prabhakar Reddy, Sr.Advocate, Mr Boorgula Narasimha Rao, Historian & Mr C.Shekhar Reddy, AP Builders Association individually congratulated the initiative of FORUM & HUMBOLDT University.
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Mr.Rao Chelikani, Convenor, Residential Welfare Association, FBH spoke about the need for re-conceiting the conflicting interests in the restoration of Musi river. All the issues of this kind, we need to have a strong umbrella or a platform for strong action from the civil society.
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All the participants, both individually & institutionally expressed willingness to contribute to the efforts of FORUM & the preset MUSI cause in all manners possible.
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Mr M.H Rao, Vice-President MUSI, Convener of FBH, shared his views wherein he said that a holistic view point shall be taken and work from the birthplace of Musi i.e., Anantagiri hills to Musi reservoir beyond Hyderabad where the river becomes a part of larger irrigation system of Krishna river . He added, that the government has to take action so as not to let the chemically polluted waters do not enter into Musi.
Finally, Mr M.H Rao delivered vote of thanks.
A PowerPoint Presentation of the project was presented that included the methodology and progress of the project by Mr.Veda Kumar, Coordinator Musi Conservation Study Pilot Project during the workshop.
At the end Mr.Veda Kumar introduced the Technical team of Musi Conservation Study Pilot to the participants, Mr.Kishore Chunduru (Technical Consultants), Mr.G.Venkateshwar Rao, Project Assistant Technical-II, Ms.Arshea Sultana, Project Assistant Technical-II, Ms.Kalyani Peddada, Project Assistant Technical-III,
A collage of 1:50,000 scale maps was displayed during the workshop with the location of various nalas, lakes and MUSI river and settlements around.
The photographs of the field visits to Edulabad area and Musi River were displayed along with the Paper clippings that were informative of Musi river issues.
Conveners of FORUM who had attended the workshop:
Dr.V.K.Bawa, Convenor, urban Planning & Management, FBH,
Mr.M.H.Rao, Convener Musi, FBH
Dr.O.M.Debara, General Secretary, Convener Industrial pollution & related matter, FBH
Mrs.Sangamitra Mallik, Convener Solid Waste Management, FBH
Mr.Deepankar Dutta, Convener Traffic & Transportation, Air Pollution, FBH
Mr.Veda Kumar, Convener Heritage Art & Culture, FBH
Mr.Rao Chilakani, Convener Residential Welfare Association, Treasurer, FBH
Associates of the project who had attended the workshop:
Prof.S.Kumar, SPA-JNTU
Mr.Natraj Kranti, lecturer, SPA-JNTU
Other participants who had attended the workshop:
Mr.J.Venkateshwarulu, Head CSIT JNTU
Ms.Jasveen Jairath, Director SAKI
Mr.G.Muralidhar, Chief Mentor, AKSHARA
Ms.K.Sarasvati, who is doing the documentary on Musi Conservation Pilot
Dr.Priyanee.H.Owmi, IWMI
Syed Akhter Ali, Indian Resource Management and Technological Consultants
Mr.G.Mohan Reddy
Mr.K.Prabakar, Coordinator CEA
Students of JNTU-SPA have attended the proceedings
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| 1.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MSCPP delivering welcome address. |
2.Sri.H.V.Raghava Rao, CGM, HMWS & SB is interacting with participants, On On Foreground Mr.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MCSPP, Mr.M.H.Rao, Convenor, Musi, FBH are seen |
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3.Sri.Burgula Narsimha Rao,
giving inputs on Musi at the Pre-workshop. |
4.M.H.Rao, convenor, Musi, FBH is in interaction. |
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| 5.Smt.J.Kedareeshwari, Director, State Archeology & Museums is sharing her knowledge on Musi with the participants |
6.Sri.V.K.Bawa, IAS., (Retd.,) Convenor, Urban development, FBH, To left is Sri.H.V.Raghava Rao, CGM, H.M.W.S. & S.B, and Sri.Debara, Secretary, FBH along with others. |
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| 7.Sri.Maheep Singh Thaper, Planner contributing inputs on Musi. |
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Participants at the workshop. |
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| Sri.K.Narsimha Reddy, Former MLA, Bhuvanagiri Constituency narrating the history of Musi. |
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JAGJIVAN RAM NAGAR VISIT – III ON 8 TH DECEMBER 2006 |
The field visit – III on 8th December 2006, is to a slum on the banks of Musi River, near Musalambad, Jagjivan Ram Nagar and Dwarakapuri.
The nalla adjoining slum originates from Saroor Nagar Lake and meets the river Musi in the down stream.
The drain is fed with rain water and sewer drains.
The proposed drain is of 30ft which is encroached by a school and two apartments.
It is a non notified slum that is residing from about 12yrs, at the point of visit.
The slum beside the drain is well structured and equipped with electric and water supply connections, ration cards and house numbers, which falls under the 10th division of DILSUKHNAGAR sector
The colony opposite to the slum dwellings is developed by the municipal corporation of Hyderabad and is known as MCH colony. The colony is well planned in grid iron pattern for the workers in different sectors.
A bridge was connected 2years back which became the supporting factor for the development of this zone.
Heading towards the upstream, we visited Mora babu i.e. the land owned by Mr. Mora Babu, which is opposite to the MAIZE RESEARCH STATION.
The residents are immigrants from adjacent districts and places like Suryapet, Nalgonda, etc. each paying a nominal rent of RS 200 to the land owner as rent per month. And they mostly depend on grass that is growing in that area for their livelihood.
The other areas that are in the surroundings of Musi and depend on grazing activity are Narsimha Swami Gutta, Chaitanya Puri, Indra Nagar on the south eastern side and Dwaraka Puarm on the south side.
At Dwaraka Puri, a view point of the stream is considered to be the highest point, which is nearly at a height of 30ft above the Bed of the Musi River.
The ex-collector, worked for the rejuvenating of bastes in1988, and it was the last attempt of the work.
The field visit is accompanied by Mr. Veda Kumar, FBH, Mr. Kishore,T.C, Mr. Jeevan Kumar, Mr. Adarsh, Mr. Mahesh from CHATRI, followed by Mr. G.Venkateswara Rao, Ms. Arshea Sultana, Ms. P. Kalyani, the technical staff.
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| 1.Sri.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MSCPP, Sri.Kishore, Technical consultant, MSCPP and Sri.Jeevan Kumar, CHATRI and the team are in the Bastee. |
2.A nala through Jagjeevan Ram Nagar Bastee to join Musi. |
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3.Sri.M.Vedakumar,
Co-ordinatorm MSCPP is ascertaining first hand information on Musi from the local populace. |
4.Sri.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MSCPP, Sri.Jeevan Kumar, CHATRI are observing the Nala leading to join Musi |
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GIST OF WORKSHOP FOR ‘MUSI SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS’
PIN school, Kothi, Hyderabad held on 13.12.2006
From 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
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CHATRI volunteers started the workshop by singing a song on Musi & people dependent on her.
Sister Celina welcomed all the participants viz., inhabitants of squatter settlements, beaurocrats, voluntary organizations, and handed over the podium to Sri Jeevankumar, CHATRI.
Sri Jeevankumar explained the project and elaborated its salient features to all the inhabitants of the settlements who attended the program. He introduced various members of Government administration who came to the workshop. He also introduced the partners of the project viz., sri M Vedakumar, project coordinator & president of FBH (FORUM), lead partner, fellow partners sri Jeevankumar (himself) of CHATRI & sri Anil Kumar, executive Director of GAMANA, and also sri Kishore Chunduru, Director, GEO who is leading the technical team. Later he invited sri Vedakumar to brief about the objective of the workshop to all the participants.
Sri Vedakumar spoke about the evolution of Hyderabad as a city since inception and brought into focus again the fact that the city had been a planned city after the example of city of Isfahan, Iran. He praised the wisdom of city planners of those days who understood better the issues of water supply, sanitation & resource management. He urged for the acute need to understand the factors that lead to the present scenario of Musi. Later he explained about the nature of MoU & methodology of the present pilot study to help understand the relative importance today’s workshop in total series of workshops planned & conducted.
As he handed over the podium to Sri Jeevankumar, the later started inviting various representatives of the settlements to speak about issues of rehabilitation/ eviction/ government projects etc. with smt Anima of moosanagar.
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Smt Anima, moosanagar: been a resident of moosanagar for last 50 years. Cleared and made habitable the place in question which was uninhabitable waste land/ wetland. She lamented about the series of official proposals that harangue them giving no peace, no security.
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Sri Pasha Khureshi, Shankarnagar: been a resident of Shankarnagar for last 25 years. He questioned about the validity of government’ claim on their lands (homes) while she allowed selling of large tracts of patta lands (mostly agricultural in nature) into small pieces for housing which they had bought 25 years back. He also felt uncomfortable with proposal involving G+3 or more buildings. He further opined that any proposal shall take into consideration the needs of people to be rehabilitated through such NGOs as working with/ for them.
Smt Laxmi, Nandanavanam colony: been a resident of Nandanavanam colony for last 9 years which is the rehabilitation colony of 1300 families shifted from Musi banks to facilitate implementation of Nandanavanam project. She complained about the discrepancies of permanent house allocation and lack of basic infrastructure.
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Smt. Kulsumbi, Wahednagar: been a resident of Nandanavanam colony for last 20 years. Hers is a family of 24 members and her home is threatened by a new sewerage pipeline which is to pass right through. She is worried about the process of rehabilitation and legality of her tenure. She is also deeply annoyed with series of works concerning Musi revitalization that endanger existence of her home.
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Sri Laxmiah & sri Nagaraju, Shalivahana nagar: been residents for last 12 years and they wondered why they had been evicted thrice in such small time. And also why the completed permanent houses are not being allotted to them which are presently lying vacant.
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Smt Zaheera of chaderghat Causeway settlement & smt Jyothi of Kamalanagar who been residents of respective localities for the last 20-25 years pleaded for loans that might halp them build their homes on the same land as they no longer could trust the government rehabilitation programs after watching the devastating Nanadanavanam Colony’ bleak success. They stressed on the fact that people depend directly on the locality or their work and it’s not possible for them to shuttle between new distant localities and their area of operation.
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Smt Laxmamma, Jagjivanram nagar & sri Mallesh, Ambedkarnagar: been a residents for the last 15 years. She asked why some houses had been given municipal house numbers and some, services such as electricity and/ or drinking water while others are not. They seek legal documents that allow them to settle in the public land where they are presently living as none objected to this ‘settling/ squatting down’ 15 years back for these lands were marginal and uninhabitable.
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Sri Jeevankumar then invited Sri Shankar of Edulabad, Ghatkesar Mandal to share the plight of downstream villagers caused by heavy pollution levels of Musi waters. Sri Shankar explained the issues of Ground & surface water pollution, Water rights & appropriation of water, Pollution effects on people/ cattle/ crops, Disappearance of traditional occupations such as fisheries and People' views on various government proposals such as STPs, water diversions.
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Finally Sri Ashfaque of CHATRI concluded the session by summarizing everybody’ concerns expressed so far.
RDO Sri Hanumantha reddy expresses his gladness to be a part of the congregation and answered various questions put forward by the participants within his capacity. He assured them that neither the government is turning a blind eye towards the issue of rehabilitation as they suspect. He elaborated on the fact that just as they took time to shape the colonies, so will the new colonies evolve in time and that installing infrastructure networks take time. He maintained that NGOs and groups of initiated slum populace shall work hand in hand with the administration officials to keep tab on such forces/ individuals who bully, sell off their allotted plots and resettle in another new slum, campaign for non-cooperation. He also cleared the fact that the total slum population comprises 10-15% of city’ population and hence they shall give due respect to the aspirations of rest of the population regarding the city and its planning. The RDO mentioned that he is representing the district Collector along with his colleagues, Smt.Anuradha, MRO, Amberpet & Sri.Gulam Manzoor Ahmed, MRO, Bahadurpura.
DGM Sri Ramchandra reddy (HMWS&SB) briefed about the location of proposed and existing STPs and their progress of capacity increment. He outlined the fact that these STPs and the laying of connecting sewer lines are backbone of Musi revitalization and that cooperation of slum population in completion of laying these pipes is vital as no length of the pipeline is causing any demolition of houses whatsoever. Answering kum. Saraswati’ question whether such rerouting of sewage would result in complete drying of the river which might then harm the grass growers and washer men, he assured that each STP along the river shall release the treated water back into the river and that check dams in river shall guarantee water availability even through dry seasons.
Sri T Janardhan of HUDCO gave a small missive on government’ various proposals & projects concerning housing such as VAMBAY, ISUP etc which can be availed through proper channels so as to minimize misuse and misappropriation. He called the NGOs to cooperate with HUDCO by pooling, ratifying such data as required making sure that right beneficiaries benefit.
Brother Sri Varghese of CHATRI raised three items to discuss with the RDO present.
Following this, SriM.Vedakumar invited Sri Rao Chelikani, Convener (RWAs) of FORUM to share his views and suggestions with the participants. Sri Rao Chelikani expresses that the people though are united as a front are misplacing their efforts in only confronting the beaurocrats as their duty is only to implement what had been decided by the decision makers. He opined that the populace shall question the peoples’ representatives viz., their MLAs & Corporators for it is them who can change the course of action by tipping scales in people’ favor if confronted and coaxed.
Later, Sri Narasimha reddy of Praja Chaitanya Vedhika encapsulated the historical facts such as the wisdom of the erstwhile Nizams who had planned for flood free Musi & even established a City Improvement Board. He supported his preceding speaker Sri Chelikani that people shall learn the value of their Vote and use it in the right manner.
Following the invitation of Sri Vedakumar, Kum. Saraswati congratulated the efforts of FBH, CHATRI & GAMANA and stressed that earlier the people understand how to wield their vote easier the issues of rehabilitation and eviction clear up.
The workshop came to an end with vote of thanks proposed by Sri.Ashala Srinivas, Chatri.
With Regards,
(M.VEDAKUMAR)
Co-ordinator
Musi Conservation Study Pilot Project
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1.A Song on Musi by CHATRI |
2. Sri.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MCSPP in addressing the local people |
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3.Sri.Jeevan Kumar, CHATRI is co-ordinating the workshop |
4.Opinion of Residents at various points along the banks of Musi |
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| 5.Opinion of Residents at various points along the banks of Musi |
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Opinion of Residents at various points along the banks of Musi |
Sri.Hanumantha Reddy, RDO, Hyderabad is expressing his observations on Musi and the residents . From left to right: Sri.Chelikani Rao, Convenor, RWA, FBH, Sri.K.Narasimha Reddy, Former MLA, Bhuvanagiri Constituency, Sri.Gulam Manzoor Ahmed, MRO, Bahadurpura nd Smt.Anuradha, MRO, Amberpet |
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Proceedings and gist of the Farmer's Workshop
On 24.12.2006 at Edulabad commenced from
12:30PM to 5:15PM |
Capt.J.Rama Rao, Chairman of F.B.H, chaired the proceedings of the workshop
he participants who came to the workshop.
CHATRI Volunteers sung a song on MUSI LIFE throwing light on the plight of people dependent on the river, its banks in the context of river pollution, displacement issues.
A walk to Edulabad Cheruvu was accompanied by song sung by Chatri Volunteers on the problems faced by the Edulabad people due to the river pollution, on the banks of the cheruvu. Mr.Damodar and Mr.G.Lingam gave an overview of the issue and the problems. Then all the participants walked back to the venue
Capt.J.Rama Rao, Chairman of F.B.H, addressed the crowd with a brief introduction of the speakers present on the stage.
Mr. M.Veda Kumar, president of F.B.H., coordinator MCSPP, introduced the farmers workshop and briefed about the coalition of Humboldt university, Berlin and FORUM, which is responsible for NRMSH as a part of seven such pilots with various coalitions and their participants.
Mr.S.Jeevan Kumar from CHATRI spoke about the activities of HRF and CHATRI and the details of Nandanavanam report and Musi bachaoo andolan.
Later Mr. Kaleru.Ramoji Rao, member of Musi parirakshana committee addressed regarding the funds of 376 crores, issued by the government of India in the year 2004 and even spoke regarding the walk to the secretariat by the people of Edulabad and the huge amount of money spent by people on drinking water today.
Mr. M.Lingam. President of Ritu Mitra Sangam, G.Lingam, ex Sarpanch of Edulabad spoke about how water was drawn into the Edulabad cheruvu from Erimella vagu and also the increasing ayacut and the problems like floating fish and health hazards due to the pollution created by the chemical effluents from the industries.
Mr.P.Narsaiah, Vice President, Ritu Mitra Sangam, M.Shankar Farmer, brought some historical facts of Edulabad viz., which was first called Laxmi Narayana Cheruvu constructed in 1526AD about a distance of 18km from Narayana rao Katwa and he spoke regarding the ayacut and also talked regarding their struggle against Government for the establishment of STP
Dr.Muthyam Reddy, professor at Osmania University, enlighten the participants with his slogan 'Musi is not Sewerage, but a lively River' and emphasized on the people's participation. Presented his survey reports on Edulabad & Peddagudem
Mr.K.Narasimha Reddy, first Sarpanch of Edulabad, shared his personal experiences with other participants.
CHATRI Volunteers sung songs on MUSI LIFE.
Mr.Saidulu, Gram Sarpanch, Mr. Padma Rao, MPTC, Ghatkesar mandal, spoke about the public participation and conveyed lets go together.
Mr.Ravi, spoke regarding pollution, the ignorance of the pollution control board and the money issued by the govt. regarding the funds of 376 crores in the year 2004 and the problem of under ground water.
Mr.Krishna Murthy, Advocate, Mandal Vice President, spoke about the 3 major problems, firstly regarding to social disparities and economic disparities, secondly pollution and finally regarding population explosion. He further talked about the Right to Live of Article 21 and the Changing policies.
Mr.Narasimha Reddy, Ex-MLA, brought some historical facts as he ruminated about bygone years, throwing light on nature and the modernization of the irrigation system.
Mr.Srinivas youth association president, Edulabad, spoke regarding the efforts made and pains taken by Mr.Shanker activist of Save Musi movement, Edulabad.
Mr.Raj reddy,member of Save Musi movement, spoke about the establishment of the Musi parirakshana samithi on 12 December,1997 and a journalist mr.Pittala.Srisailam, who even named his daughter as MUSI.
Mr.Shanker activist of Save Musi movement, Edulabad, spoke regarding the plight caused by the polluted river waters and apathy of responsible public institutions. He detailed further the costs incurred by the villagers for various maladies, loss of traditional occupation for fishermen, depletion of crop yields, higher pollution levels of upper and even deeper aquifers which are making villages downstream completely bereft of any sources of safe drinking water and all the efforts made by the association till date.
CHATRI Volunteers sung songs on MUSI LIFE.
Finally, Mr.S.Jeevan kumar from CHATRI, have concluded the meeting with the vote of thanks to all the participants.
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M.Vedakumar
Co-ordinator
Musi Conservation Study
Pilot Project
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From L to R: Sri.Jeevan Kumar, Chatri,
Sri.Krishna Murthy,Vice President-MPP,
Dr.K.Muthyam Reddy, Director, Press & Publication, O.U, Capt.J.Rama Rao, Chairman, FBH,
Sri.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MCSPP and President, FBH and Sri.Saidulu, Sarpanch, Edulabad |
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| Farmer's and Activists of Save Musi |
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| Sri.Jeevan Kumar, Chatri, Sri.M.Vedakumar, Co-ordinator, MCSPP and President, FBH and Sri.Shankar, Activist of Save Musi movement |
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JRR / 2005
September 22, 2005
Dear Mr. Sanjay Jaju,
Sub: "Save Musi Campaign" Launching
Further to the letter dated
22-8-2005 addressed on the subject, there is no
response regarding the clarifications asked for
regarding Save Musi Campaign. It may be pointed
out that the report for the earlier Musi
Riverfront Development Project - Nadana Vanam, was
prepared by Environmental Planning
Collaborative(EPC), with which Dr.Rama Seshu was
associated. It is surprising to note that the
presentation made by Dr.Rama Seshu on 15-6-05
appears to contain nothing new. Even the Power
point presentation made by you on 15 th June had
shown the same slides of the earlier report.
The public has the right to know
how the present "Save Musi Campaign' is different
from the earlier "Musi Riverfront Development
Project" report prepared by EPC? One would also
like to know what Dr. Rama Seshu, who is now being
projected as the JNTU consultant, has done anew?
If the previous government had announced on the
floor of the house that the Nadana Vanam project
was called off, how is the present government
going ahead with the same plan all over again?
If the same old abandoned project
is being restarted under a different name, has any
investigation been carried out for finding out the
reasons for abandoning the project after two years
of implementation from 1997 to 1999? Is any penal
action taken against the individuals found
responsible for draining Rs 7 Crores into the
river through that narrow channel ?
Hoping to get an early response at
least to this letter.
Yours Cordially
J.Rama Rao
To: Mr. Sanjay Jaju IAS
The Commissioner, MCH
Copy To 1) Mr. S.P.Singh IAS
The Principal Secretary To Govt., Dept. of MA&UD
2) Mr. Jayesh Ranjan IAS
VC & MD , HUDA.
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JRR / 2005
August
22,2005
Dear Mr. Sanjay Jaju,
Sub: "Save Musi Campaign" Launching
At the outset I
would like to thank you for the Invitation in respect of
various functions in which the Hon'ble Chief Minister
was to lay the foundations for Flyovers and launch "Save Musi Campaign" on 17 th August 2005, which
were postponed.
In the "Save Musi Campaign" Workshop held on 15 th June
2005, the representatives of Voluntary Organizations and
the citizens participated in the debate suggested the
enlargement of the scope of the project to cover the
entire stretch of Musi River in HUDA limits. They were
also apprehensive about the proposed commercial
exploitation of the vacant lands in the vicinity of the
river, resettlement and rehabilitation of the people
evicted in the process etc and sought clarifications on
a number of points. My letter dated 16-6-2005 on the
subject also refers.
It is a bit of
surprise and shock to receive the invitation for the
launch of "Save Musi Campaign" even before the points
raised in the workshop and the letter quoted above are
debated further and clarified. This is nothing but
bulldozing the unilateral decisions of the State
Government against the public opposition and ignoring the participatory democracy in
the decision making process affecting the quality of life of the people.
As per "Item 31-
New Construction Projects" listed in Schedule I of
Ministry of Environment and Forests, EIA Notification
S.O.60 (E) dated 27-1-1994 incorporating subsequent
amendments, construction of projects like Commercial
Complexes, Hotel Complexes, Office Complexes etc falling
under Item 31, require prior Environmental Clearance
from MoEF, Govt. of India.
If the Five-Star Hotels, IT Complexes etc are likely to
come up as part of Save Musi Campaign, as stated by The
Hon'ble Chief Minister in Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas,
Renewable Energy Day function at Ravindrabharathi held
on 20 th August 2005, they are required to get prior
Environmental Clearance of Govt. of India
In the light of the
position explained above, it will be appreciated if the
apprehensions expressed are cleared and the
clarifications are given on various points raised,
before any action is taken to launch "Save Musi
Campaign". It is also requested that the particulars of Action Plan prepared for restoration and protection
of
Musi River be made available for public
debate before it is finalized and launched.
Looking forward
for an early response
With Warn Regards
Cordially
J.Rama Rao
To: Mr. Sanjay
Jaju IAS
The Commissioner ,
Municipal Corporation of
Hyderabad
Tank bund Road ,
Hyderabad.
Copy To 1) Mr.
S.P.Singh IAS
The Principal Secretary To Govt.
Department of Municipal Administration & Urban Development
AP Government Secretariat
Hyderabad -500 022
2) Mr. Jayesh Ranjan IAS
Vice
Chairman & Managing Director
Hyderabad
Urban Development Authority
Paigah Palace,
Opp. Police Lines
Secunderabad - 500 003
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Date: 01.08.2005
Dear Mr. Sanjay
Jaju,
Sub: "Save Musi Campaign" Workshop DT. 16-6-2005
We appreciate the initiative taken
by you for organizing a workshop on
Musi River. Your kind attention is invited to the letter No.
JRR /2005 dated 16.06.05 addressed to you by Capt. J. Rama Rao,
our founders chairman. We fully endorse the comments and the
suggestions made in his letter. In addition, we would like to
stress on the following:
You must prepare a holistic plan
for
Musi River right from its source in Anantagiri Hills, in RR.
District till its confluence with Krishna River near Wazirabad
in Nalgonda District. The catchament area has to be first
protected from encroachments to ensure that the natural inflow
of water into Musi is not hampered or impeded. The Musi River
function is to carry rainwater to all downstream areas besides
helping the filling up of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar
together with all its small tributaries as well as to carry
all flood flow during heavy rains.
Because these natural functions are
affected, heavy pollution of the river and meager inflows have
resulted in contaminating the river water so badly that the
lives of the people living down river are endangered due to
increased fluoride toxicity.
To ensure the cleanliness of the
Musi water flowing through the city, we have to see that the
domestic sewage from the upriver towns on the banks of River
Musi are treated before being let into the River. Similarly
the chemical pollutants from the industrial estates have to be
adequately treated.
The Musi River is an integral part
of Hyderabad and in the name of 'beautification' or
'development' its character must not be disintegrated. The
proposed plan must ensure this. For this purpose, the original
bed of the Musi River must be delineated and maintained, the
walls of the Musi River are ded must be retained and not
disturbed. Conservation work must be undertaken on the
Musiriver wall and a green belt should be created along the
Musi River. We are against any further construction along the
Musi riverbed, not to speak of Parks with amusement facilities
like a roller coaster, art Plaza, food courts, shopping
complexes in The Heritage Zone, Imax theatres, cultural
village, hotels and other entertainment parts in the
commercial zone along the Musi River. In fact the Musi River
and its surroundings should be conserved as heritage precinct.
It is not clear where the proposed Imax theatres will be
located, in the Garden Zone or the Heritage Zone or in a
separate Zone? The present proposal as per the newspaper
report seems to place commercial activity and the
entertainment industry in the forefront of the "beautification" project for the Musi River front.
We are against lying of two lane
roads along the Riverfront. At best pathways and cycle ways
can be provided. The laying of two lane roads will lead to
more traffic, which in turn will cause noise and air
pollution. In addition, road development will encourage all
sorts of buildings and activities in the area, which will be
out of tune with the surroundings of the Musi River, and will
also cause water pollution.In due course, the environment of
the area will be destroyed.
The proposed changes are not
envisaged in the HUDA Master plan.
The area wherein the changes are
contemplated fall within the Charminar Precinct area, declared
as Heritage Precinct No.10, under HUDA Notification No.
3023/PRlHUDAl2000 dated 30.04.2000. According to Regulation 13
(7) of HUDA Zoning Regulations 1981, buildings included in
heritage precincts shall maintain the skyline in the precinct
as may be existing in the surrounding area, so as not to
diminish or destroy the value and beauty of the said precinct.
The notification of Heritage Precincts will imply that the
development proposals, street furniture, road widening
proposals and outdoor publicity within the Heritage Precincts
shall need to be approved by the Vice Chairman, HUDA, and the
Heritage Conservation Committee, before permission is granted
by the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad or other competent
authorities.
The proposed changes are certain to
disturb the skyline and the surrounding of the area. It may be
recalled that in the WP No. 20387 of 2001 filed by the Forum,
the High Court stopped the road widening programme of the MCH
in the Charminar Precinct because due approval had not been
obtained ITom HUDA, acting on the advice of the Heritage
Conservation Committee, and permitted the programme to be
resumed only after the latter's clearance was obtained and the
MCH gave an undertaking to the Court to comply with the
conditions laid down by the Heritage Conservation Committee in
its approval. In another case, the government shelved a plan
to implement a project by Vastu Shi_pa Consultants in the
Charminar precinct area. Intach, Hyderabad chapter, the Forum
For A Better Hyderabad and other conservationists had opined
that the project would disturb the value and beauty of the
Precinct. Further, the project was not put up to the HCC for
approval, as was mandatory.
We made the above comments and
suggestions in the meeting on 15.06.05. We had also requested
in the met(ting that close consultations should be made, on an
ongoing basis with all conservationist organizations before
finalizing the plans, and consensus arrived at. The same
process should be followed at the stage of implementation.
We trust you will appreciate our
stand and do the needful.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours faithfully,
(M.H Rao)
Convener, Cell For Musi River
Forum For A Better Hyderabad.
Copy to: Mr. Jayesh
Ranjan, IAS VC & M.D., HUDA
Copy to:The Chief Secretary, Government of
Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
The Principal Secretary, Municipal
Development & Urban Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh,
Hyderabad.
Cc to Dr. M. Manadal
Sri M. Veda Kumar
Sri M.V. Naidu
Address for communication:
M.H. RAO,
Convener,
Cell For Musi River,
Flat No. 302, Pavani Estates, Khairatabad, Hyderabad -50000 4 |
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Date: 2.6.2005
To
Sri.S.P.Singh, IAS.,
Principal Secretary,
Municipal Administration & Urban
Development Dept.,
Government of Andhra Pradesh,
Secretariat
HYDERABAD
Dear Sir,
Sub: Proposed Musi facelift
plan - Regarding.
***
We write this letter to you on behalf of
the Forum For A Better Hyderabad, with reference to the
report captioned " Grand Musi Facelift Plan awaits okay"
appearing in the Times of India, Hyderabad edition dated 31st
May 2005. A copy of the press cutting is enclosed for ready
reference.
If what has appeared in the Times of
India is true, it seems that far reaching changes are planned
and are very near finalisation in the area around the Musi
river. Briefly, 'beautification' work is proposed to be taken
up along the 1.5 km stretch of the Musi river by dividing it
into two zones - a Garden Zone and a Heritage Zone. The Garden
Zone will be developed 1600 acres of area with gardens,
landscaping, parks with amusement facilities like a roller
coaster, art plaza, food courts, open auditorium for cultural
events and a golf course. The Heritage Zone, while protecting
heritage buildings like High Court,
Salar Jung Museum, City Library and Osmania General Hospital,
will be developed into a tourist spot with shopping complexes.
The report also talks of a plan to set up
Imax theatres, cultural village, commercial zone, and
entertainment zone. The cultural sub-zone will have a
convention center, multipurpose hall, exhibition space, and
traditional bazaar. Hotels and shopping space will be provided
in the commercial sub-zone. The entertainment sub zone will
have multiplexes and other entertainment parks.
As per the newspaper report, the project
is being pursued at break neck speed. For example, a committee
of 16 officials, appointed only in the third week of April,
already held several meetings and will present a proposal,
based on a consultant's report, to the Chief Minister on the 3rd
June, 05.
On reading the news, the Forum For A Better Hyderabad held an
emergency meeting of some senior members, as were available.
They unanimously expressed concern at the reported move and are of the opinion that a project of this nature should not be
undertaken in haste, specially bypassing several statutory
bodies created by law by the state government itself.
Also, before taking such a strategic step, it will be
beneficial to all concerned to consult the voluntary bodies in
the state concerned with environment and heritage
preservation. It should be remembered that these far-reaching
changes, once they have been made, cannot be reversed, if
found wrong, and therefore, more than ordinary care should be
exercised before finalizing the changes. There should be wide
consultations before submitting any proposal to the Chief
Minister.
Based on the insufficient information
available from the newspaper report, the Forum's
preliminary comments are as follows:
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The Musi river is an integral part of
Hyderabad and in the name of 'beautification' or 'developmemt',
its character must not be disintegrated, which will
precisely be the result if the proposed plan is carried
out. On the contrary, its original bed must be maintained,
the walls of the Musi river bed must be retained and not
disturbed. Conservation work must be undertaken on the Musi
river wall, a green belt should be created along the Musi
river, and at best pathways and cycle ways can be provided.
We are against any further construction along the Musi river
bed, not to speak of parks with amusement facilities like a
roller coaster, art plaza, food courts, a tourist spot with
shopping complexes in The Heritage Zone, Imax theatres,
cultural village, commercial zone, and entertainment zone,
hotels and shopping space multiplexes and other
entertainment parks, along the Musi river. In fact the Musi
river and its surroundings should be conserved as a heritage
precinct. It is not clear where the proposed Imax theatres
will be located, in the Garden Zone or the Heritage Zone or
in a separate Zone?
-
The present proposal as per the newspaper report seems to
place commercial activity and the entertainment industry in
the forefront of the "beautification" project for the Musi
river front. We would like to know (1) whether an analysis
has been done of the water available in the Musi river, the
possibility of the future floods, droughts, etc., in the
context of the Visvesvaraya plans for Hyderabad during the
period 1910-1930 after the floods of 1908 which are still
remembered in Hyderabad; (2) Whether the environmental
impact of the projects has been considered keeping in view
the massive amount of water they will require, the
acceleration of the Heat Island Effect and the very strong
and salutary decisions of the A.P. High Court and the
Supreme Court in regard to protection of the environment.
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The proposed changes will destroy the character of the river
and the area and its environment by increasing the traffic,
by creating more noise, air and water pollution ( the refuge
of the new complexes will be dumped in the area and the
river); will encourage all sorts of buildings and activities
in the area, which will be out of tune with the surroundings
of the Musi river. In due course, the environment of the
area will be destroyed.
-
The area wherein the changes are contemplated fall within
the Charminar Precinct area, declared as Heritage Precinct
no 10, under HUDA Notification no 3023/PR/HUDA/2000 dated
30.4.2000. According to Regulation 13(7) of HUDA Zoning
Regulations 1981, buildings included in heritage precincts
shall maintain the skyline in the precinct as may be
existing in the surrounding area, so as not to diminish or
destroy the value and beauty of the said precinct.
The notification of Heritage Precincts will imply that the
development proposals, street furniture, road widening
proposals and outdoor publicity within the Heritage Precincts
shall need to be approved by the Vice Chairman, HUDA, and the
Heritage Conservation Committee,
before permission is granted by the Municipal Corporation of
Hyderabad or other competent authorities.
The proposed changes are sure to disturb the skyline and the
surrounding of the area. We note that the proposed changes are
examined and being put up to the Chief Minister by a team of
16 officials, but there is no clearance from HUDA, acting on
the advice of the Heritage Conservation Committee, which is a
statutory requirement. It may be recalled that in the WP No
20387 of 2001, the High Court stopped the road widening
programme of the MCH in the Charminar Precinct because due
approval had not been obtained from HUDA, acting on the advice
of the Heritage Conservation Committee, and permitted the
programme to be resumed only after the latter's clearance was
obtained and the MCH gave an undertaking to the Court to
comply with the conditions laid down by the Heritage
Conservation Committee in its approval. The Forum had filed
the PIL. In another case, the government shelved a plan to
implement a project by Vastu Shilpa Consultants in the
Charminar precinct area. INTACH, Hyderabad chapter, the Forum
For A Better Hyderabad and other conservationists had opined
that the project would disturb the value and beauty of the
Precinct. Further, the project was not put up to the HCC
before acceptance, as was mandatory.
In view of the foregoing, we request the
concerned authorities not to rush with the finalisation
of the project for the Musi river, but to consult the
organizations concerned with environmental and heritage
protection and also the HUDA and the Heritage Conservation
Committee. Meanwhile, the full details of the project may
please be made available to us for examination.
We trust you will appreciate our stand and do the needful.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Yours Faithfully,
(VEDAKUMAR.M)
President
Forum For A Better Hyderabad
C.C to:
1.Sri.Mohan Kanda, IAS., Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyd.,
2.Sri.Jannat Hussain, IAS.,
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, Secretariat, Hyd.,
3.Sri.Sanjay Jaju, IAS.,
The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of
Hyderabad, Hyd
4.Sri.Jayesh Ranjan, IAS.,
Vice Chairman, HUDA, Hyd.,
Sri.T.Chatterjee, IAS., Principal Secretary, Dept. of Environment & Forest,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyd.,
6.Sri.Rajesh Tiwari, IAS.,
The Secretary Pollution Control Board, Hyd.,
7.Sri.V.Nagi Reddy, IAS.,
Secretary, Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyd.,
8.Sri.Shravan Kumar, IAS.,
Chairman, Heritage Conservation Committee, Hyd.,
9.Sri.Aravind Kumar, IAS., Collector & I class Magistrate, Hyderabad Dist., Hyd.,
10.Sri.L.Premchandra Reddy, IAS., Collector & I class Magistrate,
Ranga Reddy Dist., Ranga Reddy
11.Dr.J.Kedareeshwari,
Director, State Archeological Museum, Hyd.,
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Nandanavanam Project - A disaster in the making
The Musi River is a part of the history and heritage
of Hyderabad city. It emerges from Anantagiri hills, about 90 km
to the west of Hyderabad and flows through Vikarabad, Pargi, Chevella,
Kalvakul, Palankul and Golkonda Mandals and reaches Osmansagar reservoir
at Gandipet which was built in 1920 to contain the flood waters.
Lack of proper conservation of forests and grass lands in Anantagiri
area and diversions of water for cultivation of crops like paddy
has resulted in less inflows into Osmansagar and lessened the flows
in Musi in Summer months.
Thus, this once beautiful and plentiful river has been reduced to
a trickle and with the drainage and sewage water flowing into it,
has become a stinking drain. Due to rapid unplanned development
of the city of Hyderabad, the quantity of sewage generated is many
times more than the designed capacity of the Amberpet sewage treatment
plant, resulting in a high percentage of under-treated and untreated
sewage entering the river. Musi flows down and joins river Krishna
at Wazirabad in Nalgonda District.
The problem of Musi, has been further aggravated by encroachment
of buildings and hutments all along the banks of the river throughout
the city area, thus reducing its width. The Government of Andhra
Pradesh has planned what is called Nandanavanam project in Musi
in an attempt to beautify the river. This project is ecologically
unsustainable and environmentally damaging. If this project is implemented
the historic Musi will be totally disfigured. It is unfortunate
that the Nandanavanam project does not aim at restoring the ecological
balance of the river as a water body. Without conducting any study
on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Public
Hearing (EPH) which are mandatory requirements for large projects,
the Government of Andhra Pradesh has displaced hundreds of slum
dwellers from the riverbed and spent huge amount in constructing
a channel (nala) in the centre of the river. The riverbed has been
filled at Chaderghat causing serious damage to the river environment
like its natural flow, width, groundwater recharge etc. |
