SIDDIPET : Farmers, whose lands are likely to be submerged under the proposed Konda Pochamma Reservoir, are getting ready to question state government for allegedly adopting contradictory policies while acquiring lands for projects. With the state government deciding to complete the land acquisition process for the reservoir at the earliest, farmers, who are against surrendering their agricultural lands, are readying the documentary evidence in support of their claim to put up a strong argument in the court. As the officials have begun visiting the villages for holding final round of discussions with the farmers on land acquisition, farmers have resolved to question officials on state’s land acquisition policy.
Konda Pochamma project is being constructed at Pamulaparthy in Wargal mandal in the district. However, Thanedarpally, Mamidyala and Bailampur villages in Mulugu mandal are also likely to be submerged under the project. Most of the farmers from these villages gave their lands to the government but some of them have not surrendered yet. These farmers have been demanding for fair compensation as they rejected government’s offer of `12 lakh per acre. They made it clear that they would not surrender their land until they get proper compensation.Venkat Reddy, a farmer from Bailampur, said if they wish to leave the land for the benefit of people, the compensation provided should be fair enough to purchase land in the nearby villages.
Another farmer from the same village said before the reorganisation of erstwhile Medak district, as per the directions of CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, officials had taken 2.13 acres of patta land from a farmer E Chandra Reddy under survey no 543 for construction of 2BHK houses for the poor as government land was unavailable. Later, they had provided him five acres in survey no 927.
Venkat Reddy, an oustee from Mulugu mandal headquarters, questioned the government that when it was in a position to provide five acres of land for 2.23 acres for a person from Hyderabad, then why was it not implementing the same for the victims of Konda Pochamma.
Officials issue notices to ryots
Bailampur, Thanedarpally, Mamidyala villages and another thandas are likely to be submerged under Konda Pochamma. About 4,000 acres of land is required for the project. Officials have acquired 95 per cent of the land. Some of the farmers from remaining lands already approached the court, while some others have not taken any decision. Officials decided to acquire the remaining lands. Hence, they recently issued notices to 16 farmers. Gajwel RDO Vijayender Reddy confirmed that notices are being issued to the farmers who have not surrendered their lands.