A statement released by the government on June 25 last month had said that two systems were being followed for land acquisition for Mallannasagar reservoir. One was the LA Act of 2013 and the other was GO 123 issued by the State government and farmers would be extended compensation according to their wish.
The statement was issued a few hours before the commencement of 48-hour fast by TTDP working president A. Revanth Reddy at Etigaddakishtapur in Touguta mandal here. At that time, Mr. Revanth Reddy had claimed that his deeksha was a success as the government had agreed to extend compensation according to farmers’ wish. Now, almost 49 days after the release of the statement, nothing has materialised as farmers are denied that choice and are forced to sell their land as per GO 123.
With the fresh High Court order, the district administration is gearing up to issue notification for land acquisition. A survey would be conducted on which land to be acquired for Mallannasagar and in which villages.
As the government has already acquired some land at Etigaddakishtapur and Toguta villages, the administration would notify for the remaining area where farmers are reluctant to part with their land. “Under the LA Act, we need not get any consent from farmers to acquire their land. We can notify directly after conducting a survey about which land we require and to what extent. We are making moves in that direction,” said Muthyam Reddy, Revenue Divisional Officer, Siddipet.
In a related development, some residents of villages under Mallannasagar have decided to submit a written affidavit to their respective mandal revenue officers demanding implementation of the LA Act.
