Nizamabad Rural MLA Bajireddy Govardhan has expressed displeasure over the likely submergence of seven villages and two tribal hamlets in his constituency with the proposed construction of a reservoir of a capacity of 3.5 tmcft linked to the Kaleswaram Project (Package 20) at Manchippa village. He said that though the damage was not welcome, about 1.80 lakh acres barren land would turn arable giving two crops if the project is completed.
Participating in the public hearing on environmental impact of the Kaleswaram Packages 20 and 21 conducted by Telangana State Pollution Control Board, here on Tuesday, he appealed to the Government to avoid submergence and damages to the extent possible and provide water through pipeline or tunnel or lifts wherever it is possible.
Mr. Govardhan said that through the Manchippa project water could be given to 80,000 to one lakh acres in Nizamabad rural, Dichpally, Indalwai, Jakranpally, Dharpally and Sirikonda mandals. Since some forest was likely to get damaged due to this project, the Forest Department needs to suggest an alternative plan, he said and. Through the Kaleswaram Project tail-end lands of the SRSP would also benefit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Benefits majority
He felt that though 10% of the population may be at loss, but it would benefit 90% of them. Those who lost land in the acquisition process must be compensated suitably and given justice as per the new Land Acquisition Act, he said.
Niamabad Urban MLA Bigala Ganesh said that with the Manchippa Project the town would not be affected, but get sufficient quantity of drinking water. He said that farmers need to understand the benefit and come forward to sacrifice land for compensation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Member of Legislative Council V.G. Goud said that rural people dependent on community occupations, would get benefitted with the construction of projects and restoration of irrigation tanks.
All elected representatives from the district would try for getting good compensation package for the farmers who lose lands, he said.
Armoor MLA A. Jeevan Reddy sought to remind that farmers lost lands when the SRSP was constructed. However, subsequently it became a lifeline for Telangana, he said.
District Collector (in-charge) A. Ravinder Reddy, Bodhan MLA Md. Shakeel, D. Rajeswar, MLC, Mayor Akula Sujatha, DCCB Chairman Gangadhar Rao Patwari, political party leaders, officials from TSPCB and Irrigation Department attended.