Tribal University, remained a non-starter at Relli revenue panchayat in Kothavalasa mandal for several reasons, one among them was acquisition of D-patta land that is in possession of tribals.
However, things are likely to change for the better as the tribal farmers have conceded Minister for Mines R.V.S.K. Ranga Rao’s plea to hand over their lands voluntarily.
The university will come up in an extent of 526.24 acres. Of the extent of land allotted for the varsity, 347.77acres of land has flat surface and the balance of 178.77 acres of land is uneven. Some 161 tribal farmers were identified and patta land from them needed to be acquired. They have been cultivating the lands for several years. At present, work on construction of compound wall and shifting of high tension overhead live wires is in progress. The Revenue Divisional Officer was asked to complete land acquisition process by August 15.
Minister Ranga Rao, ZP Chairperson Sobha Swati Rani, S. Kota MLA Kolla Lalitha Kumari, Collector Vivek Yadav, Joint Collector Srikesh B. Lathkar, and Vizianagaram RDO Srinivasa Murty, who inspected the site on Thursday, convinced tribal farmers that they would be allotted government land and also house sites as a substitute for their D-patta lands at Appannadorapalem.
Help to raise crops
The Minister has even assured farmers that the government will provide all rights to them over the lands at the village besides assistance for raising horticulture crops on the land. Following his assurance the farmers have agreed to part with their lands.
The Collector informed them that the prestigious university when completed would change face of the area and help provide employment to local youth.
