Land acquisition for the proposed thermal project of Sumitomo Corporation Private Limited appears to be a tough challenge, with the move receiving vehement opposition from the locals of Narasannapeta and Polaki mandals.
The government, which had identified various places in Amadavalasa, Narasannapeta and Palasa mandals, has reportedly favoured Narasannapeta constituency for setting up the plant, owing to its proximity to the proposed Bhavanapadu port which would help it import coal from abroad easily.
With the directive from the government, the APgenco officials have been conducting surveys in Polaki and Narasannapeta mandals for the last few days to finalise the site for the 4,000 MW project.
Irked by the move, the locals had made it clear that they would not part with their land at any cost for the project. The government needs around 2000 acres the project. Meanwhile, residents of villages including Thotada, Chidivalasa, Gavarampeta, and Sanyasiraju Peta have decided to organise massive agitations and submit petitions to the Collector, Joint Collector and other officials.
“The govt. should conduct public hearing and elicit opinions of locals before land acquisition. Otherwise, we will not allow the teams into villages and paddy fields ,” said K. Laxmana Rao, a villager of Polaki mandal
Social activist and doctor Duvvada Jeeviteswara Rao and others also vowed to oppose the project, if it is planned in Palasa region. .
Sources say, senior officials are worried with the latest developments . The officials feared that any resistance to the project would create adverse impact on the investments of other countries.
The govt. should conduct public hearing and elicit opinions of locals before land acquisition. Otherwise, we will not allow the teams into villages and paddy fields
K. Laxmana Rao,a resident of Polaki mandal
