In spite of the uproar from displaced persons, the State government has decided to go ahead with the Vamsadhara phase-2 works from Tuesday as it was keen on completing them by June, 2017. The Government on Monday held an exclusive meeting with the displaced persons in the Srikakulam Zilla Parishad hall and explained them the latest package while seeking their cooperation for the early completion of the project.
According to Labour Minister K. Atchannaidu, the Government deposited around Rs. 421 crore for the implementation of welfare measures and construction of colonies for the 985 families which lost land for the construction of the reservoir.
It enhanced the amount to Rs. 5 lakh from Rs. 53,000 for the construction of each house.
CM ‘sympathetic’
The Minister could not give categorical assurance on providing jobs for those families. “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had a sympathetic view over the grievances of residents of Hiramandalam and other areas as they sacrificed their lands to benefit the entire Srikakulam. The second phase will ensure irrigation facility for 3 lakh acres,” he added.
Srikakulam Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham and Joint Collector Vivek Yadav told the villagers that the compensation would be credited into their accounts and there would not be involvement of middlemen in the process.
A displaced person Bhaskara Rao said the Government had given jobs for the eligible persons during the construction of phase-1 and it should be replicated to benefit youngsters.
Patapatnam MLA Kalamata Venkataramana thanked the Minister and the officials for taking up a series of measures to resolve the grievances and benefit the farmers who were eagerly waiting for the construction of the phase-2.
He urged the Government to appoint more staff for the early completion of land acquisition and making payments. Srikakulam Zilla Parishad chairperson Chowdary Dhana Lakshmi said the grievances of the villagers were being discussed in general body meetings and justice would be done very soon for them.
