District Collector K. Dhanunjaya Reddy on Saturday said the government would spend ₹3 crore to improve civic infrastructure in the colonies constructed for the Vamsadhara-displaced.
“Maximum benefits” had been provided to the displaced persons to ensure early completion of the project that would cater to the irrigation needs of 2.5 lakh acres in the district, Mr. Dhanunjaya Reddy told the media here while referring to the issue that caused tension in many villages of Hiramandalam.
SP C.M. Trivikram Varma and Joint Collector K.V.N. Chakradharbabu were present.
Mr. Dhanunjaya Reddy said the government paid ₹5 lakh to each of the 1,582 families that did not want to accept the sites offered by the government. Further, the government paid ₹5 lakh to each of 3,231 youngsters under the youth package.
Compensation for structures
He promised to arrange for payment of compensation for the structures in villages such as Garlapadu, Tulagam, and Krishnapuram through Lok Adalat on August 23.
“Many villagers who received payments of up to ₹1.33 lakh per acre are still cultivating lands in Hiramandalam though the lands technically belong to the government. They have been doing agriculture activity in spite of the objections raised by the officials who are in hurry to complete the project in accordance with the guidelines of the government. Is it correct to do cultivation after taking compensation 10 years ago? The villagers who received compensation for the structures too are not moving to the newly constructed colonies. Moreover, they are participating in the agitations along with those who have genuine grievances,” the Collector said.
‘Norms can’t be relaxed’
He made it clear that the government was not in a position to apply the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, as land acquisition for the Vamsadhara project had been completed in 2006-07.
He further said it was not possible to extend the youth package to minors, as the Act would not permit the government to relax the norms that were applicable throughout the country.
“Law would certainly take its own course when the villagers attack innocent staff members and the police personnel at the project. We have maintained maximum restraint,” he added.
