The residents of Erravalli once again stalled the ongoing work on Mallannasagar reservoir in the village limits on Sunday. This is the second time in the last 48 hours. They wanted clarity from the government on the compensation they are likely to receive.
Though Erravalli was one of the five villages which had openly revolted against the government purchasing land through the Government Order No.123 for Mallannasagar Reservoir, due to some pressure from various sections the villagers sold their land to the government.
But during surrendering their houses to the government, new issues are cropping up. On Friday when the officials visited the village the residents expressed doubts over the compensation they would receive. To get clarity on the issue of compensation, some of the villagers visited the Revenue Divisional Officer’s (RDO) office on Saturday but their efforts failed to yield any result leaving them fuming.
“We have decided to tell in the language that they can understand instead of the language of urging them repeatedly to clarify our doubts. Hence, we are stopping the work. Let the officials clarify on what basis they will pay compensation. We wish to know about the promise of allotting double bed-room house for those who crossed 18 years. Let either Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao or District Collector P. Venkataram Reddy come to the village and give us written promise on what they wish to do. Then only we will allow work,” said one of the villagers.
Large number of villagers formed into groups, moved around the village and stopped the work.
“We have clearly informed the officials that we will not allow work till our doubts are cleared. Mandal Revenue Officer has assured of a meeting with the District Collector on Tuesday evening in this regard and we said that the work will be stopped till then. Improper numbering of families in each house led to the fear among us,” said Mahesh Reddy, another villager.
