Hyderabad, Sept. 25: The Forum for A Better Hyderabad (FBH), in collaboration with the Centre for Deccan Studies (CDS) and various civil society organizations, held its annual Memorial and Solidarity Meet today beneath the historic Tamarind Tree at Osmania General Hospital, Afzalgunj. This tree, which sheltered and protected nearly 150 lives during the catastrophic Musi River floods of September 1908, was honored for its lasting contribution to humanity. The event commenced with Pandit Parashar performing a heartfelt lavani tribute to the Musi floods. Sri M.H. Rao, Vice-Chairman of FBH, welcomed attendees, while Er. VEDAKUMAR MANIKONDA, Chairman of FBH, presided over the meeting.
In his speech, he reflected on the establishment of the Memorial Meet in 2008 and its ongoing observance since then. He emphasized FBH’s efforts in studying the Musi River for over two decades, offering recommendations to government entities, and urged HMDA and the Telangana Government to devise an integrated master plan to tackle recurring issues in metropolitan urban planning. He also highlighted the pressing need for a comprehensive drainage master plan for the city. Poet Sangamitra recited poems illustrating the tree’s resilience and the tragic narrative of the Musi, while notable filmmaker Ms. Afsan commended FBH’s initiatives to revive public awareness of the flood disaster.
Lyricist Ambati Venkanna praised Chairman Manikonda VedaKumar for uniting civil society in urban planning and management, and performed songs celebrating Hyderabad’s rich cultural heritage. Addressing humanitarian issues, Brother Verghese criticized the displacement of Musi residents without adequate rehabilitation and lamented the mismanagement of the Nandanavanam project in 1997. Human rights activist Jeevan Kumar asserted that civil society must challenge poor governance and ensure that citizens are regarded as stakeholders in urban planning. Dr. Jayakrishna, Chief Resident Medical Officer, assured continued collaboration with the Forum for a Better Hyderabad. Groundwater expert Subhash Reddy expressed concerns regarding frequent waterlogging and ineffective rainwater management in the city, also submitting a written request to the government through FBH.
Anil from OISCA called on students to adopt environmentally friendly practices, manage waste responsibly, and minimize plastic usage. Prof. Anwar Khan noted FBH’s 17-year dedication to this memorial and stressed the necessity for unity among communities to address both environmental and social pollution. Prof. Jayashree from Osmania University praised the symbolic significance of the Tamarind Tree, which saved lives indiscriminately. Many individuals including Dr. G Rameshwar Rao, Director ESIC, B. Narayana, retired Deputy Director of the Department of Heritage Telangana Narsa Reddy (TRSMA), Akula Ravinder, Shankar (Jai Bheem), Ramraj, Iliyas, Srihari Syed Khalid, Srilatha, Syed Qhyzer Bhasha, along with teachers and students from CHATRI, MSI, SRD, and APSA also participated, demonstrating their solidarity.
The event concluded with a commitment to protect Hyderabad’s ecological and cultural heritage while honoring the memory of those lost in the 1908 Musi floods. Mrs. Shobha Singh, Secretary-General of FBH, delivered the vote of thanks.