Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Andhra Pradesh government will jointly organise a ‘gram sabha’ at Kovvada village of Ranasthalam mandal on May 17 to gather the views of the public over establishment of an atomic power plant in Srikakualm district. The meeting is said to be crucial as the officials concerned are likely to announce package for the displaced persons. Recently, the officials made it clear that the displaced persons would be given compensation as per the New Land Acquisition Act-2015. The NPCIL officials have already deposited Rs.389 crore with district administration for payment of compensation and construction of a colony for the villagers. The government needed around 2,000 acres of land in Kovvada, China Kovvada, Tekkali, and Kotapalem villages.
Speaking to The Hindu, NPCIL Project Director G.V. Ramesh hoped that the villagers would accept the package and support the establishment of the plant. “We have recently met local people’s representatives who extended their wholehearted support. But they sought good package for which we agreed.
The villagers will be explained about the package in the gram sabha,” he added.
According to sources, the villagers are strongly objecting the under assessment of market value. They fear that they will get less compensation even if new Land Acquisition Act is applied. Some of the people’s representatives insist on five times extra compensation since the plant is being established in sensitive areas. Leaders of CPI(M) and CPI are touring extensively in Ranasthalam mandal to drum up support against the establishment of the project. CITU Srikakulam wing general secretary D. Govinda Rao has alleged that the villagers are being forced to accept the package.
The meet will be jointly organised
by NPCIL and Andhra Pradesh government
