Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddyhas said some people stalled the development of an IT hub on 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli. The land parcel would have not only provided lakhs of jobs to the youth but also attracted investments to the state, but it was stalled in the name of biodiversity and environment.He also reiterated that the 400 acres was not University of Hyderabad (UoH) land, but was resumed from a private firm, IMG Bharata, after a legal battle. Reacting for the first time on the Kancha Gachibowli land controversy, the chief minister said some leaders claim there was a real estate slowdown in the city after the Congress govt came into power. When plans were made to develop areas like the IT hub or knowledge hub, hurdles were created. Without naming any party or leader, he alleged that some leaders were “toxic people” who do not want the state govt to get a good name. Revanth inaugurates HYDRAA police station “Are the steps being taken by the govt to protect the lakes, nalas, and roads from encroachments, rejuvenating the Musi River, and taking steps to prevent pollution in the state not protection of the environment? Those who do not want the govt to have a good name and do not want people to benefit campaigned against HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency) and opposed the Musi project,” Revanth Reddy said after inaugurating HYDRAA police station at Buddha Bhavan in Secunderabad on Thursday. Stating that of the 940 lakes in the city, 451 water bodies were encroached upon, especially by big and rich people, he said HYDRAA was not meant for demolitions as projected by some people. “It will discharge disaster management duties such as clearing water logging points, asset protection, and other duties during natural calamities too,” Revanth Reddy said. The chief minister asked HYDRAA officials to adopt a humane approach when it comes to the encroachments by the poor, and their structures would be pulled down only after providing alternative shelter arrangements. Meanwhile, the lakes grabbed by the rich and politicians should be dealt with an iron hand, stating that the HYDRAA officials were given a free hand. Revanth Reddy said the state govt was committed to taking up the Musi project by rehabilitating people. He also took potshots at BJP leaders and said when the BJP govt in Gujarat could take up the Sabarmati riverfront, Yamuna riverfront in Delhi, and Namo Ganga project by the UP govt, the Telangana govt could also clean and rejuvenate the Musi.
