Published Mar 11, 2026 | 6:02 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 11, 2026 | 6:02 PM
Medha Patkar (Flickr)
Synopsis: While supporting the rejuvenation of every river, Patkar stressed that the Musi, already burdened by toxic industrial pollution and encroachments of large structures like the metro, required a restoration approach that “avoids or at least minimises displacement and destruction of people’s homes and livelihoods.”
Social activist Medha Patkar has urged Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to suspend the unveiling of the detailed project plans of the Musi River Rejuvenation (Phase-I) project, slated for Friday, 13 March.
In a letter written in solidarity with the riparian communities and the Musi Jan Andolan, Patkar underscored the need for genuine participatory governance in the river rejuvenation process.
The letter, dated 9 March, has also been copied to Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh and Meenakshi Natarajan, the AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana.
Patkar noted that she had received an ‘official invitation’ from the Managing Director of the Musi River Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) announcing the event as one culminating in “partnership discussions” for “meaningful engagement with stakeholders and partners.”
She expressed regret that this framework “starkly excludes grassroots and indispensable voices: directly affected families, particularly those served land acquisition notices; environmental experts and social activists; and collectives, representing upstream and downstream community concerns.” She adds that “such omissions render the proceedings antithetical to true partnership, prioritising elite consultations over the lived realities of the impacted.”
Highlighting the enormous scale of the project, revived as a ‘flagship programme’ under the present administration, Patkar referred to demolitions that have already affected approximately 300 homes and to fresh notifications, including the Gandhi Sarovar Project requiring acquisition of 10.34 acres in Bandlaguda Jagir Village and additional notifications for 43.48 acres, all proceeding “without due regard for democratic participation or procedural safeguards.”
The letter also drew attention to the 16 February Government Order Ms No. 921, which exempted the entire Musi Riverfront Development Project from mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA).
Patkar stated that according to the GO, 10,000 structures and about 3,279 acres of land would be acquired. She further criticised the piecemeal approach to the DPR, the absence of a Full DPR and cumulative impact assessment, and deficiencies in the Environmental Impact Assessment process, including incomplete public consultations and inadequate disclosure of land details.
While supporting the rejuvenation of every river, Patkar stressed that the Musi, already burdened by toxic industrial pollution and encroachments of large structures like the metro, required a restoration approach that “avoids or at least minimises displacement and destruction of people’s homes and livelihoods,” with full compliance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Patkar requested the following measures:
1. Immediate suspension of the 13th March, 2026 unveiling event and public release of a draft Detailed Project Plan for the entire project in English, Telugu and Urdu, with a minimum 60-day period for submissions of suggestions and objections from all stakeholders.
2. Detailed dialogue under the Chief Minister’s leadership with representatives of the affected communities and Musi Jan Andolan, along with concerned officials and public hearings in the Musi-affected areas.
3. Constitution of an independent committee for a comprehensive review of the project from a river-basin approach, addressing alleged violations of the 2013 Act and shortcomings in the Environmental Impact Assessment.
4. Immediate withdrawal of all land acquisition notices issued for the project, including those invoking the 2017 amendments.
5. Passage of legislation in the Telangana State Assembly to repeal the 2017 amendments and restore the 2013 LARR Act in its original form.
Patkar expressed hope that the Telangana government would champion the betterment of Musi and its riverine communities, not at the expense of one another, and to reject any violence against living populations in Mahatma Gandhi’s name.
She called upon the administration to uphold the commitment to the true ethos of ‘Praja Palana’.
