New Metro route hits flats

Iskcon temple to be spared, 21 Padmahamsa flats to be affected

A prominent business tycoon’s intervention has allegedly led to some changes in the Metro alignment at Secunderabad.

As per the earlier plan, the Metro running towards St. John’s Church junction (East Marredpally) was supposed to take a right, leading to Sangeet crossroads, occupying some portion of the Iskcon temple and a few square yards of some private properties.

However, there has been a change in the plans and the Metro will now go over the temple, though a portion near Our Sacred Space, and a 20-year-old apartment will be demolished to make way for the pillars.

The residents of this apartment are against the alterations.

“In 2013, the Hyderabad Metro Rail issued a notice to Padmahamsa Apartment property owners, stating that 456.62 sq. yard was needed for the Metro as the viaduct was supposed to cut across the property and the temple. Following an appeal, they again issued a draft declaration that only 241.28 sq. yard was needed. However, in 2014, this became 749.66 sq. meters. With the latest notice, 21 of the 40 flats (Block A) will be affected. This will divide the entire structure. The earlier plan was to go through the temple,” explained a property owner.

Narsimha Rao V., another flat owner, said, “Why have they reduced the space of the temple and are demanding more space from the apartment? No notice was given for the 749.66 sq. meter. The HMR was directed by the court to proceed with the first condition. This is a prime area. Even if the Metro gives us space (elsewhere), why should we relocate?” he asked.

The owner of Our Sacred Space stated that they had not received a notice yet.

Iskcon authorities said, “The head office has agreed to surrender 638 sq. yard in the interest of the public. Earlier, 910 sq. yard was asked for, but after a modified plan, the space was reduced to 638 sq. yards. The main temple was getting affected; we had requested that the temple should not be affected.”