For the past one year or so the farmers of Velumulaghat in Touguta mandal in the district have been sharing their learnings from the protest for their rights with others facing similar problems.
The latest to seek their advise are villagers of some 10 villages in Nizamabad district, who have been told recently that their villages would be submerged.
“There are two big tanks — Manchippa and Kondemcheruvu — under Package 21 of Pranahita-Chevella project in Nizamabad district. In the earlier design, it was proposed to use these tanks as two separate reservoirs. However, after the redesigning by the government under Kaleswaram project it has completely changed.
Total submergence
The government proposes to use the entire area between Manchippa and Kondemcheruvu and this was not known to public for different reasons. The number of villages that would submerge has increased from two to 10. Hence, every one is getting pinched and trying to come under one umbrella,” said one of the agitators from Vemulaghat.
“They are surprised to know that we are on agitation path for the past 484 days. They are asking us how we are able to continue the agitation without any obstruction. How the rotation is being made? How many are participating every day? Whether there are any disputes to take up the rotation? How to coordinate among villagers?” are the questions being posed to the agitators of Vemulaghat.
Tremendous pressure
“We are explaining them how much will power is required for that, what type of pressures there are from officials, police and political bosses and how they try to bring a division among the agitators. We are ready to share our experience with all those who are likely to become oustees,” said another agitator. The oustees are not ready to come out in the open fearing undue pressure from the administration.
