Even as farmers in the capital region have agreed to part with over 30,000 acres, farmers associations feel there is still time, and that the government can rethink its decision to build the capital on fertile lands.
Various political parties and associations, including those representing tenant farmers and agricultural labourers, met here on Monday to chalk out the future course of action.
Accordingly, they decided to invite social activist Medha Patkar to the capital region on April 9. “During her visit, she will tour villages in the capital region and interact with farmers,” B. Ramakrishnam Raju, national convenor of the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM), said.
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“We are not against the construction of the capital. We are only opposing the use of fertile agricultural lands for the purpose, as it could lead to even food security issues in future,” Mr. Raju added.
“It was true that farmers gave their consent to part with their lands, but nothing is over yet. There were reports that farmers did not part with their lands voluntarily, and that the next step in land pooling was a development agreement,” he said.
Krishna Delta Parirakshana Samithi convenor Kolanukonda Shivaji called for creating awareness among farmers on precautions to be taken before signing agreements. “More importantly, protection should be given to farmers, who are against parting with their lands, as they are being subjected to a lot of pressure,” he added.
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Speaking on the occasion, former Agriculture Minister Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao said there was no transparency in the land pooling system, and that it was nothing but facilitating real estate business.
“There are several issues like livelihood for tenant farmers and farm labourers, which needed to be addressed, and the government should not take decisions unilaterally,” he added.
Rethink decision to build capital on fertile lands, govt. told