Houseowners decry land grab for metro rail

HYDERABAD: After Sultan Bazar, Badi Chowdi and Ameerpet shopkeepers, its the turn of Sri Krishna Nagar traders and house owners to fight against land acquisition for the Hyderabad Metro Rail project.On Friday evening, 150 to 200 traders and owners affected by the Corridor-III (Nagole to Shilparamam) that will go through Greenlands, Ameerpet, Sri Krishna Nagar held a meeting demanding the government to immediately to change the alignment of the route.As per the old proposal, the Corridor-III was to pass from Begumpet, Punjagutta, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills but subsequently the HMR authorities changed the alignment to bulldoze the poor and weaker sections, alleged the Sri Krishna Nagar Main Road House Owners’ Association president K Sayyanna.“The project would throw a few thousand families on the roads, if their lands are taken away by the government. Most are doing business in small areas of 120 sq yd and belong to weaker sections,” he added.Sayyanna said they are going to join hands with the traders of Sultan Bazar, Badi Chowdi and Ameerpet to fight against the land acquisition. Secretary general DN Ellaiah said the business of traders in the area has taken a beating due to the ongoing land acquisition.