Hyderabad:Family members of 41 owners, whose properties were affected by the Old City Metro Rail project, have had an attachment to the area for more than three generations, some with homes and others with commercial establishments.
They participated in the cheque distribution programme for compensation and said they are happily handing over their properties for the development of Hyderabad.
When asked about the loss of their property, Mohammed Waseem and his wife, who were present at the event, said, “More than three-fourths of our commercial-cum-residential property will be razed, but we have no regrets, as we have become contributors to the development of the state. This will boost the economic development of the Old City.”
Mohammed Kareem explained that their three-generation-old property, where they have childhood memories, will be razed. However, “there is no complaint regarding the razing as we welcome the long-awaited development of the Old City,” he said.
The building, which houses one of the popular ‘Kabab’ centres at Purani Haveli that has been serving people with delicious food for more than 40 years, will be completely demolished. Its owner Ghous Pasha said, “Our three-generation-old outlet will be wiped off. But we are happy to be a part of the development of Old City.”
However, he has a request for Metro authorities. “Please consider allotting us a shop in the Metro stations so that our livelihood can continue,” he said.
The Hyderabad Metro expansion in the Old City has taken a crucial step, with the distribution of compensation to the owners of 34 affected properties on the 7.5-km MGBS-Chandrayangutta route.
Speaking at the event, Hyderabad MP Assaduddin Owaisi said, “Metro Rail, which the residents of the Old City have been waiting for a long time, is now being implemented, and he is grateful to the Chief Minister for this.”
He made it clear that they will extend full cooperation with the efforts being made by Metro. “If skywalks are constructed at the proposed Salar Jung and Charminar metro stations to the monuments, it will not only be convenient for tourists but also for the locals.”
He also appealed to the authorities to give priority to the affected land losers in setting up businesses at the upcoming metro stations.
Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd managing director N.V.S. Reddy said that the second phase of metro construction will include more facilities than the first phase, which will transform the Old City.
Hyderabad district collector Durisetti Anudeep said that a compensation of about `1,000 crore will be paid for a total of 1,100 properties, and the locals are fully cooperating with them.
