The government is all set to constitute an expert committee to study the findings of the social impact survey conducted in Kovvada and surrounding areas in the district.
District Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham is expected to identify the members of the committee.
The draft survey and the opinion of the expert committee will then be submitted to the government for taking up land acquisition for the establishment of India’s biggest atomic power plant in Ranasthalam mandal.
The officials have expressed happiness over completion of the survey within two months despite resistance from people and representatives of the Left parties.
According to sources, details of properties of 2,500 families have been gathered as part of the survey. The government has also collected data of people who do not have agriculture property but are dependent on local economic activity for their livelihood. They are also expected to get compensation as per the proposed package.
The Hyderabad-based Environmental Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI) collected data as part of the survey.
The officials claimed that the survey was done in a transparent manner to ensure good package for the affected families. They also hinted at offering more compensation though it was initially decided to give Rs.13 lakh per acre to the displaced persons. “The government has given up to Rs.33 lakh per acre for the proposed international airport in Bhogapuram. We cannot deny that fact. That is why the government has, in principle, agreed to enhance the amount,” says a senior revenue official.
NPCIL officials say that the package would be Rs.40 lakh per person since they are being relocated to another area.
“In Bhogapuram, only compensation is paid. But in Kovvada, the package will help the people lead a decent life even after construction of the project,” says a senior official of NPCIL.
The government plans to acquire 180 acres of land near Dharmavaram for construction of a colony for the displaced persons. However, locals insist that they be provided a colony adjacent to the National Highway.
YSR Congress senior leader and in-charge of Etcherla constituency Gorle Kirankumar alleges that the government is forcing the people to accept the package.
“The distance between Bhogapuram and Kovvada is not even 25 km. But the variation in compensation is huge. We will raise the issue when the government conducts public hearing here,” says Mr. Kirankumar.
Government is forcing people to accept the package
Gorle Kirankumar
YSRC leader
