District Collector K. Dhanunjaya Reddy and Joint Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu on Tuesday hailed the order of the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad, allowing the district administration to adopt only the previous Land Acquisition Acts for payment of compensation to the Vamsadhara Project Displaced Families (PDFs).
In a press release, they said the court had upheld the argument of the State government while hearing the PILs filed by a few farmers from Amadalavalasa and Hiramandalam.
The order said that the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 would not be applicable as the acquisition process had begun almost a decade ago.
ADVERTISEMENT
As per the court directive, new crops would not be allowed from January 16, 2018, in the project area where the farmers continued cultivation even after surrendering their lands to the government.
The Collector said that a few people with vested interests were filing petitions in the court to disrupt the project works under the Vamsadhara Phase II.
“The court’s order will boost the morale of the officials who have been trying to complete the project as per the schedule. The project will provide irrigation to a large extent and benefit many farmers. We will remain thankful to the farmers who surrendered their lands for the the project,” said Mr. Dhanunjaya Reddy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Grievance cell
Mr. Chakradhar Babu promised to address the genuine grievances of the villagers. “The villagers can bring their problems to the notice of the officials on Saturday when a special grievance cell would function for quick disposal of the petitions,” he added.