Hyderabad: BRS MLA and former minister T. Harish Rao alleged that nearly 4,000 families residing in around 2,000 apartments would be adversely affected by the proposed widening of the 100-foot road in Narsingi and accused the state govt of altering the road alignment to serve private interests.Harish Rao visited Seven Hills, Western Meadows and other residential colonies in Gandipet mandal on Saturday, where he inspected red markings reportedly placed by HMDA officials on buildings likely to be impacted by the road project. Interacting with residents, he said many families were living under uncertainty despite possessing valid permissions and occupancy certificates.Addressing the gathering, Harish Rao recalled that the original alignment for the 100-foot road was modified by the BRS govt in 2018 through GO No. 181 after representations from local residents. According to him, the revised alignment preserved a 400-year-old Hanuman temple and avoided demolition of residential properties by diverting the road through adjacent open land.He alleged that a fresh gazette notification issued in 2026 altered the alignment once again, placing thousands of families at risk of displacement. He claimed that the change was made to benefit a private real estate venture and a corporate educational institution. The BRS leader further contended that govt land was undervalued during an auction process and that the proposed road alignment was subsequently modified to facilitate future high-rise developments.Harish Rao also alleged that statutory procedures required for changes to the master plan, including public notification, consultations and public hearings, were not followed. He said affected residents had been unable to secure appointments with officials and had faced difficulties in submitting their grievances.Expressing concern over the impact on apartment complexes, Harish Rao stated that demolition of portions of buildings, cellars, access roads, parking facilities, walking tracks and other infrastructure could compromise the safety and stability of residential communities. He also said complaints from residents of nearby double-bedroom housing colonies regarding access roads and drainage issues.Assuring residents of support, Harish Rao said the BRS would pursue legal and democratic avenues to oppose the revised alignment. He announced that the party would coordinate with colony representatives and legal experts to challenge the decision and, if necessary, take the issue to the courts, HMDA offices and the state assembly.He demanded immediate withdrawal of the 2026 gazette notification and restoration of the road alignment approved in 2018, which he said protected both public interests and local heritage while avoiding displacement of residents.ends/
