Protests continue to strengthen in Bahilampur village against the Kondapochamma reservoir in Mulugu mandal, with residents of Mamidyala village joining the agitation and stalling the ongoing work.
Some 200 locals squatted in a tent erected in Bahilampur and had a heated argument with some TRS leaders about promises made by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao not being fulfilled. Residents said that the promises must be fulfilled before forcing them to vacate the village.
Sunil, a resident of the village, questioned why the government had not provided a written promise to construct double bedroom houses to all the displaced. “Chief Minister held discussions with us and promised them, but we have not received any confirmation. If a new government is elected, how can we be sure they will keep this promise?” he asked.
In a video posted by the villagers, an announcement by the police can be heard asking villagers not to stop the work, which was taking place near the village outskirts. The police asked them to continue their protest within the village limits.
Heavy dust clouds had encompassed the village, a result of the construction activity, making it difficult to even breathe, the villagers added. Mulugu Mandal Parishat president Venkatarm Reddy, who is participating in the agitation, said residents were already facing respiratory problems and were admitted to hospitals.
“Despite repeated appeals, our objections were considered and we were left with no option but to stop the work. We will not meet any officials in their offices. If they are interested to negotiate, they must come to our village and hear all of us,” he said.
However, on Wednesday, the villagers refused to negotiate with officials including Mandal Revenue Officer Nagamani and Gajwel Area Development Authority (GADA) Special Officer M. Hanumantha Rao.
The protest by land oustees against the proposed Kondapochamma reservoir has added to the troubles of the government, which has already been negotiating the protest by residents of Vemulaghat against the Mallannasgar reservoir in Toguta mandal.
In addition, the villagers of Singaram under Mallannasagar limits have also commenced a protest demanding constructing of double bedroom houses before they are asked to leave the village.
