The land acquisition process for construction of the proposed atomic power plant at Kovvada in the district is likely to be completed this year with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) promising to deposit Rs.1,200 crore as advance towards the rehabilitation and resettlement package (R&R package), according NPCIL officials.
Both the Central and State governments are according top priority to the project as only 2,000 acres of land is required. It is being considered as an easy process compared to projects such as Bhavanapadu port.
The NPCIL has agreed to deposit the amount with the State government to facilitate payment of compensation to land owners who part with their land for the project.
The total compensation to be paid is estimated to be Rs.940 crore, and it is likely to go up further if the government accepts the demand of the locals for a remunerative price for their lands.
Meanwhile, The State government has asked the district officials to ensure completion of acquisition of 2,126 acres.
District Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham is likely to hold a crucial meeting with revenue and NPCIL officials shortly to discuss the issue.
According to G.V. Ramesh, NPCIL Director, the Finance Ministry is expected to release funds to the State government soon for implementing the R&R package for those facing displacement from Kovvada, Ramachandrapuram, and other villages.
The government will release Rs. 500 crore in the first phase and the balance (Rs. 700 crore) later.
“We are going to overcome all the hurdles being faced for the last few years. We also hope people will welcome the package, which is going to be the best.” The district administration has responded positively and took up land acquisition in an expeditious manner.
The district administration recently insisted that funds should be released in advance to avoid the kind of situation encountered in implementing the R&R package for those displaced by the Vamsadhara project.
The Central Government was convinced with that argument and accepted their proposals.
