Hyderabad: Families living in the B3 Bungalows area of Secunderabad State urge the government to reconsider the land acquisition plan related to the JBS-Shamirpet elevated corridor project. When they supported infrastructure upgrades, residents said the existence of the program now threatens their homes and livelihoods.
The corridor is part of the larger JBS-Shamirpet-Medchal route, which includes proposals to expand adjacent service roads to 200 feet. This will affect about 73 acres of land, including private land and national defense zones, and may replace nearly 1,000 families, including 40-50 families living in B3 bungalows.
“We have lived here for three generations. It’s not just land; it’s our life,” said affected resident Vishal Ranjan. Most families come from low- and middle-level backgrounds and say they can’t afford to buy or build a home elsewhere.
The HMDA initially proposed a 200-foot-wide service road, which was later modified to 150 feet after public objections. Residents insist that it is still too broad. Their main needs: limit expansion to 100 feet and provide alternative land, not just economic compensation.
“Cash cannot rebuild life,” said Satish Gupta, chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), who led the incitement. “If land is occupied, the land should be given. Equal value, equal respect.”
In recent weeks, residents have met with other Hyderabad collector Mukunda Reddy and submitted their official representatives. They also proposed relocation to vacant defense land in Bolaram near the corridor route.
Even though the government held Gram Sabhas in Bowenpally and trimulgherry, attendance fell after residents believed their concerns were ignored. “If they meet our two core requirements, we will work together,” said B3 resident Srihari.
State MLA Sriganesh Narayanan, who attended the recent public meeting, promised that affected families would receive fair compensation and a dedicated counter will be established in Tahsildar’s office to assist them.
Meanwhile, multiple writ petitions have been filed, but residents say they are still waiting for specific actions. “We are not against development, but do not develop by destroying life,” Pramod Kumar V said.
