Locals Refuse to Part With Land for Airport

Several families residing in the SC colony are reluctant to lose their lands for the expansion of Gannavaram airport.

VIJAYAWADA: Even as the state government is all set to acquire land for the upgrade of Gannavaram airport, several families residing in the SC colony are reluctant to lose their lands for the expansion. The government is yet to fix the price for the land.

Even though the government has promised compensation for the acquired land, around 200 families living in the SC Colony  are unwilling to offer their land as they claim that the compensation will do no good to them. A majority of these families are small farmers while some of them work as daily labourers.

According to the sources, the airport requires 498 acres of land in addition to the existing 500 acres to fulfill the requirements of an international airport. SC Colony of Dhavajigudem in Gannavaram mandal is one of those lands proposed by the government for land acquisition. Recently, 100 houses spread over 5 acres were served notices.

The villagers approached the government officials seeking clarity over the notice. However, the officials promised them that compensation would be paid and asked the villagers to remain silent over the issue.

When asked about the details regarding the compensation, the officials told the villagers that they would be shifted to Kesarapalli village, 4.5 km away from the airport. “Except for the location, nothing else has been promised to us,” claims, Devarapalli Yesubabu, a farmer.

He also mentioned that SC Colony was located on 4 acres of land and relocating the Dalits would spoil their livelihood. When TNIE contacted the official concerned, he refused to comment on the issue saying it was a sensitive one.

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