A model colony will come up as part of the R&R package at Dharmavaram village of Etcherla mandal in the district for relocating the families displaced by the Kovvada atomic power plant to be constructed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), according to Joint Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu.
“Acquisition of an extent of 213 acres of forest land has been completed in the village for the construction of the colony,” Mr. Chakradhar Babu said here on Thursday. In lieu of it, the Forest Department had been allotted an equal extent of land at Tamada village of Laveru mandal, he added. An approach road would be laid to Dharmavaram in fulfilment of the assurance given to the displaced persons.
“The State government is keen on extending all help to the people who have parted with their land for the construction of the project. The district administration has also asked the NPCIL to begin construction of the colony as early as possible,” he said.
“It will be one of the best gated communities with all the amenities such as parks, community halls, schools, drainage and water facility,” Mr. Chakradhar Babu said.
R&R package
The total R&R package is estimated to be ₹1,237 crore, which includes construction of the colony. Out of this, the NPCIL has deposited ₹500 crore with the district administration to facilitate payment of compensation to the displaced – ₹77.90 crore for D-patta holders, ₹62.46 crore for encroachers, and ₹18 lakh per acre for property owners at Kovvada, Chinakovvada, Kotapalem, Tekkali and other villages.
The district administration is planning to revise the R&R package as the NPCIL is keen on constructing the colony itself as it has enough experience in such an activity.
“We have asked the NPCIL to begin construction work as land is ready in the village. The displaced families, particularly those from the fishermen community, are happy as the colony is close to the sea,” said Mr. Charkadhar Babu.
