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Citizens collective demands answers on Musi development, seeks review of project

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After U.S. President Barack Obama raised the issue of religious intolerance in India, The New York Times published a very strong editorial criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what it calls his “dangerous silence” on a series of communal events in the country. The editorial, by the NYT editorial board, lists recent attacks on churches and reports of Ghar Vapsi or conversion and marks out the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for its proposed conversions programme in Ayodhya in March this year, saying the group “was playing with fire.” “Mr. Modi’s continued silence before such troubling intolerance increasingly gives the impression that he either cannot or does not wish to control the fringe elements of the Hindu nationalist right,” the NYT editorial surmised. Full text of the Editorial published in the New York Times on February 6, 2015: What will it take for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out about the mounting violence against India’s religious minorities? Attacks at Christian places of worship have prompted no response from the man elected to represent and to protect all of India’s citizens. Nor has he addressed the mass conversion to Hinduism of Christians and Muslims who have been coerced or promised money. Mr. Modi’s continued silence before such troubling intolerance increasingly gives the impression that he either cannot or does not wish to control the fringe elements of the Hindu nationalist right. Recently, a number of Christian churches in India have been burned and ransacked. Last December, St. Sebastian’s Church in East Delhi was engulfed in fire. Its pastor reported a strong smell of kerosene after the blaze was put out. On Monday, St. Alphonsa’s Church in New Delhi was vandalised. Ceremonial vessels were taken, yet collection boxes full of cash were untouched. Alarmed by the attacks, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has urged the government to uphold the secular nature of India and to assure its Christians they are “protected and secure” in their own country. There is also concern about the mass conversions. Last December, about 200 Muslims were converted to Hinduism in Agra. In January, up to 100 Christians in West Bengal “reconverted” to Hinduism. Hard-line Hindu nationalist groups, like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), make no secret of their support for a “homecoming” campaign designed to “return” non-Hindus to the fold. More than 80 per cent of Indians are Hindu, but Pravin Togadia of the VHP says his organisation’s goal is a country that is 100 per cent Hindu. The only way to achieve that is to deny religious minorities their faith. The VHP is reportedly planning a mass conversion of 3,000 Muslims in Ayodhya this month. The destruction of the Babri Mosque there in 1992 by Hindu militants touched off riots between Hindus and Muslims across India that left more than 2,000 people dead. The VHP knows it is playing with fire. Mr. Modi has promised an ambitious agenda for India’s development. But, as President Obama observed in a speech in New Delhi last month: “India will succeed so long as it is not splintered along the lines of religious faith.” Mr. Modi needs to break his deafening silence on religious intolerance.

Citizens collective demands answers on Musi development, seeks review of project

## Musi Riverfront Development Faces Scrutiny as Residents Call for Independent Review

Hyderabad, India – A coalition of concerned citizens is intensifying pressure on local authorities regarding the ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Project, demanding greater transparency and a comprehensive, independent review of its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. The collective, identifying itself as “Musi Nadi Suraksha Samiti” (Musi River Protection Committee), voiced its concerns at a press conference held earlier this week, citing a lack of public consultation and potential ecological damage as key motivators for their action.

The Musi Riverfront Development Project, a multi-billion rupee initiative, aims to revitalize the heavily polluted Musi River and transform its banks into a vibrant public space with parks, recreational facilities, and commercial developments. Proponents argue the project will enhance the city’s aesthetics, boost tourism, and improve the quality of life for residents. However, the Musi Nadi Suraksha Samiti contends that the current plans prioritize aesthetics and economic gains over the long-term health of the river ecosystem and the well-being of communities living along its banks.

“We are not against development,” stated Dr. Lakshmi Reddy, a spokesperson for the committee and a renowned environmental scientist. “However, we believe that development must be sustainable and equitable. The current project lacks a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and fails to adequately address the concerns of those who will be most affected by its implementation.”

Specifically, the committee is demanding a detailed analysis of the project’s potential impact on the river’s water quality, biodiversity, and flood control capacity. They express fears that the construction of concrete structures along the riverbanks could exacerbate flooding during monsoon season and further degrade the already fragile ecosystem. Furthermore, they are calling for a thorough examination of the project’s potential displacement of communities residing in informal settlements along the river, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and resettlement options.

The Musi Nadi Suraksha Samiti has submitted a formal petition to the state government, outlining their concerns and requesting the appointment of an independent panel of experts to conduct a comprehensive review of the project. This panel, they argue, should include environmental scientists, hydrologists, social scientists, and representatives from affected communities. They have also launched an online petition, garnering significant public support, and are organizing public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the potential risks associated with the project.

Government officials have acknowledged the concerns raised by the committee, stating that they are committed to addressing them in a transparent and responsible manner. They maintain that the project is designed to be environmentally sustainable and that all necessary precautions are being taken to mitigate potential negative impacts. However, they have not yet committed to appointing an independent review panel, stating that the existing environmental clearances and assessments are sufficient.

The standoff highlights the growing tension between the desire for rapid urban development and the need to protect the environment and ensure social equity. The Musi Riverfront Development Project, intended to be a symbol of Hyderabad’s progress, now faces a crucial test: can it proceed in a manner that truly benefits all stakeholders, or will it become another example of development that prioritizes economic growth over the well-being of its citizens and the health of its environment? The coming weeks will be critical as the government considers the demands of the Musi Nadi Suraksha Samiti and decides on the next steps for this ambitious, and increasingly controversial, project.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.

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