In what could be a major breakthrough for the government, about 20 farmers from Vemulaghat have come forward to sell their lands for the Mallannasagar project on Monday.
The farmers have agreed to sell their lands under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act - 2017 (Telangana Amendment).
All of them signed the required papers, expressing their consent to sell the lands at the offer price made by the government. Collector P. Venkataram Reddy, Joint Collector Padmakar and Special Deputy Collector and Revenue Divisional Officer A. Muthyam Reddy were present.
It may be recalled that farmers from Vemulaghat in Toguta mandal, which would be submerged under the Mallannasagar project, have been agitating against the government for more than 600 days. Their demand has been regarding the implementation of LA Act- 2013. Despite repeated efforts by the government, the farmers refused to sell the land.
However, Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao and Mr. Venkataram Reddy have been making every effort to try and convince the farmers, which has finally been successful.
Mr. Venkatram Reddy said to the farmers, “The sacrifice you are making is invaluable and the government will never forget that. The government will come to your rescue and meet all your requirements.” Cheques were handed over to about 10 farmers on the spot.
“We are offering ₹6.8 lakh per acre to the farmers of Vemulaghat, in addition to the package under R&R of LA Act- 2017. The price was hiked as the land is being procured after one year,” he told The Hindu .
