Owaisi urges longer deadline for Hyderabad SIR amid data concerns
The MP says many listed as relocated remain in place and several recorded as dead are alive, prompting a request for more time.
Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi has formally asked the state government to extend the deadline for submitting the Special Investigation Report (SIR) on Hyderabad’s recent displacement crisis. In a statement to the media, Owaisi argued that the current timeline does not allow for a thorough verification of the data compiled by officials (The Hindu).
Owaisi highlighted two glaring inconsistencies: families marked as “shifted” are still residing at their original addresses, and a number of individuals recorded as deceased are, in fact, alive. He warned that proceeding with the report on the existing schedule could cement erroneous figures, undermining relief and rehabilitation efforts (The Hindu).
The SIR was commissioned after the monsoon floods of late 2023 and early 2024 that inundated large swathes of Hyderabad, displacing tens of thousands. The government set a strict deadline to finalize the report, which is intended to quantify damage, assess the number of displaced households, and guide compensation packages. Historically, such reports have been pivotal in unlocking central and state funds, but they have also been criticized for rushed data collection that overlooks on‑ground realities.
Accurate documentation matters because it directly influences the allocation of relief money, the planning of temporary shelters, and the long‑term reconstruction of affected neighborhoods. Misclassifying residents as relocated or deceased can lead to loss of entitlement to aid, legal disputes, and social unrest. Owaisi’s demand for an extension reflects a broader call from civil‑society groups for transparency and accountability in disaster response.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns but have not yet confirmed whether the deadline will be altered. In previous instances, the government has granted short extensions when data gaps were identified, balancing the urgency of relief distribution with the need for precision.
If the deadline is extended, authorities will have additional time to cross‑verify household lists, conduct field visits, and update the status of individuals. For the thousands still awaiting assistance, a more accurate SIR could mean the difference between receiving promised benefits and remaining in limbo.
This report is based on original reporting by The Hindu. Read the original source →