MACHILIPATNAM:Farmers protested against acquisition of their lands for construction of Machilipatnam Port when district collector Babu A announced that notification would be issued on May 28 for land acquisition.
The farmers entered into an argument with the collector and other officials at a face to face programme called by the collector to persuade them to agree for land acquisition. The agitating ryots belong to Gopuvanipalem, Buddhalapalem, Chinakaragraharam, Pedakaragraharam, Mekavanipalem, Tapasipudi, Manginapudi and Campbell in Machilipatnam mandal.
The farmers sought sought to know from the collector how a notification could be issued in connection with the construction of Machilipatnam port without discussing what package would offered to them in lieu of surrendering their land. Holding placards, they raised slogans criticizing the way the government was trying to take their lands.
Trying to buy peace with the farmers, the collector said that when Machilipatnam Port becomes a reality, it would change the face of the district and would kindle economic activity in the region benefiting everyone.
He reminded them that the port had been sanctioned after lot of hard work. He wanted the farmers and people to cooperate with the authorities in construction of the port.
He told them that already survey had been done and if the land were acquired under the new Act, no injustice would be done to them as compensation would be quite substantial.
Those who would lose their houses would get new houses in the Relief and Rehabilitation Package with all amenities. A job for one member of family would be given and if there is no educated person, they would be helped in self-employment.