🚨 Rs. 5,000 crore Gandhi statue on Musi banks may displace 500 families ⁉️ The Congress government has announced plans to construct what it describes as the country’s tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Musi River, as part of its ambitious Musi Riverfront Development project. The proposed statue is estimated to cost Rs. 5,000 crore and is expected to come up at the confluence of the Esi and Musi rivers. The decision has triggered sharp reactions from various sections of society. Several public associations, environmental groups and opposition political parties have voiced concern over both the financial outlay and the potential impact on residents in the project area. Critics allege that the government is moving ahead with the initiative even before the detailed project report (DPR) has been finalised and before the proposed loan from the Asian Development Bank has been sanctioned. Despite these objections, the state government is reportedly preparing to lay the foundation stone for the statue in February. As part of the process, a notification has been issued for the acquisition of around 10 acres of land at the identified site. The larger Musi beautification project could involve the acquisition of nearly 3,279 acres, affecting approximately 10,017 houses and commercial establishments. Among those likely to be impacted are nearly 500 families residing in the Madhu Park Ridge Apartment Complex, which falls within the notified land. Residents have expressed anxiety over their future, stating that they had invested their life savings into their homes and are now facing uncertainty. Opposition leaders have criticised the move, arguing that the state’s financial priorities are misplaced. They contend that the government has cited a lack of funds for welfare schemes and development programmes, including assistance for farmers under Rythu Bandhu, while proposing large-scale expenditures on projects such as the Musi riverfront development.