The proposed construction of Mallannasagar reservoir as part of Kaleshwaram project has been creating rift among farmers and it has vertically divided the farming community, those favouring commencement of construction immediately, and those opposing it demanding right compensation.
Soon after the High Court gave a direction to the administration not to acquire land forcibly from farmers under GO 123, an outfit, Telangana Rashtra Rythu Sanghala Samakhya (TRRSS), made its presence felt and wanted the government to complete construction of the reservoir at the earliest. Not only that, it also held rallies in support of the reservoir in Medak, Nizamabad and Nalgonda districts.
On Sunday, a meeting was held in Hyderabad where the speakers said that the reservoir construction is the need of farmers in more than 3,000 villages, and residents of 14 villages should not stop it.
“We feel sorry for those villages which are getting submerged, at the same time, the residents of the villages should keep in mind that the project would make three districts of Telangana the green belt and provide irrigation. We have requested the government to increase compensation for those losing land, and construct houses for those who lose their houses. If someone wants money, the government can pay them in cash as well,” said Pakala Srihari Rao, president, Telangana Rashtra Rytu Rakshana Samithi (TRRS). He said that the amount being paid for house construction also needs to be increased as Rs.5.04 lakh is not sufficient.
However, the land oustees are ready with a counter argument stating that they were ready to transfer the amount being paid by the government if villagers are ready to sell their land for the amount being offered by the government. They said that they are ready to cooperate with the government, provided land acquisition is taken up as per the Land Acquisition Act- 2013.
In a related development, the land oustees from these villages approached the Human Rights Commission and the SC/ST Commission seeking justice.
