Hyderabad, July 15 -- A citizens' platform working to protect the Musi River has urged the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) to reject the environmental clearance sought for Phase 1A and 1B of the Musi Riverfront Development Project, calling it a real estate-driven venture dressed up as ecological restoration.

Musi Jan Andolan (MJA), a non-party citizens' platform, said in a representation to the SEAC that the project's road component has more than tripled since the initial terms of reference (ToR) were granted, from 17.85 hectare to 64.37 hectare, while green cover has nearly halved from 109.41 hectare to 55.65 hectare.

MJA said Rs 1,836.42 crore, more than a third of the project cost, is earmarked for roads and bridges, wi...