Musi evictees experience life changes after relocation to 2BHK homes.
Basthi dwellers residing in buffer zones are expressing significant fears regarding the potential for future displacement. Many of these residents feel vulnerable as urban development projects advance, threatening their homes and livelihoods. With the increasing pressure on land and resources in Hyderabad, these communities worry about being forced to relocate again, which would disrupt their lives and communities. Residents are calling for government assurances and protections to secure their living conditions, emphasizing the importance of their homes and the stability they provide. Their concerns highlight the broader issues of urban planning and the need for inclusive policies that prioritize vulnerable populations.
Hyderabad: Evictees Find New Lives Amidst Uncertainty and Change
In Hyderabad, a significant shift occurred for many families on Sunday as they moved from their homes on the banks of the Musi River to newly constructed 2BHK houses provided by the state government. These relocations marked a turning point for residents of Moosa Nagar and Shankar Nagar, who had been living in areas designated for eviction due to ongoing urban development projects.
Among those impacted was Tahera Bibi, who faced a distressing situation. She had recently returned from Bhubaneshwar, where she was with her husband, recovering from a heart stroke. Upon hearing about the impending eviction, he fell ill again. In a desperate bid to secure their family’s future, Tahera borrowed money to rush back to Hyderabad, spending ₹8,000 on a flight to ensure they wouldn’t lose everything. Tearfully speaking to Siasat.com, she felt helpless and overwhelmed by the sudden changes in her life, having undergone four surgeries herself, including a recent tumor removal.
While there were fears of demolition following the evictions, the expected actions were postponed, allowing the families time to adjust to their new living conditions at the 2BHK housing complex in Pilligudiselu, Chanchalguda. Residents were busy cleaning and organizing their new spaces as they grappled with the reality of their relocation.
Mohd Yousuf, a father of three school-going daughters, expressed mixed feelings about his new home. After arriving from Shankar Nagar, he remarked that while the 2BHK apartment was of similar size to his previous 50-square-foot home, he felt he could have built additional space had he been allowed to stay. He had envisioned securing a future for his daughters when they grew up, something he believed was now lost.
The transition was not without its complications. On September 28, family members of original Pilligudiselu residents protested against the arrival of the new evictees, fearing competition for resources and space. The police intervened, using mild force to ensure the new residents could occupy their allotted flats. Yousuf was instructed to settle into a vacant flat, finally occupying flat number 522.
Chand Bi, a mother of three sons, received one flat for herself and another for her eldest son, leaving her younger sons and their families to stay with her temporarily. Shama, the wife of her second son, voiced concerns over their livelihoods, as they previously earned a modest income assembling artificial decorative flowers. With rents in the new area ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 per month, they faced uncertainty about their future and felt compelled to remain together for support.
While some families began to adjust, unrest simmered back in Moosa Nagar. Social activists convened a meeting at a local school to address the growing concerns among residents affected by the Musi evictions. Brother Varghese, who leads the housing and tenurial rights campaign (CHATRI), reflected on the historical context, stating that over 27 years, successive governments had repeatedly targeted impoverished communities whenever urban development projects arose.
Many long-time residents recalled being relocated over two decades ago during the construction of the lower Chaderghat Bridge, when they received alternative land and financial support to rebuild. However, the current evictees found themselves in a precarious situation, with lingering fears of further displacement.
Despite official assurances that buffer zone residents would not be affected, anxiety persisted among those still living in these areas. Many expressed their frustration and reluctance to accept the new 2BHK homes, insisting they did not wish to relocate again.
During the meeting, social activists, including Sajaya, Meera Sanghamitra, Professor Surepalli Sujatha, Professor Padmaja Shaw, Venkat Reddy, and Syed Bilal, rallied the Basthi dwellers, aiming to instill hope and confidence amidst the chaos and uncertainty of their lives. Their support was essential as the families navigated the complexities of displacement, urban development, and their pursuit of stability in an ever-changing environment.