After convincing farmers of Vemulaghat in Toguta mandal to sell their lands for the construction of Mallannasagar reservoir, the administration commenced construction activity by mobilising heavy machinery in the village outskirts on Saturday.
The move has raised doubts in the minds of many farmers, who are worried whether promises made to them will be fulfilled.
“In the meeting held at Siddipet a few days ago, the officials promised to commence work only after extending R&R package and extending structure value. But without fulfilling those promises, they have started work. We feel let down. Leaders from the village who took the initiative in discussions are somehow silent,” said a farmer, seeking anonymity.
Emergency meeting
The villagers suspect that once the work gathers pace, they may not be in a position to stop them at all. Given this situation, an emergency meeting was held on Sunday which saw arguments and counter arguments on stopping the work.
At one point, some of the villagers recalled the lathicharge that took place in 2016 and subsequent cases by the police stating that the episodes may be repeated if the work is stalled.
Committee appointed
Finally, it was decided that the village should appoint a committee consisting of two leaders, one from each community, who will take up the issues on behalf of villagers with the government.
However, a majority of the villagers are of the opinion that they will face the same fate as that of Kondapohamma land oustees if work is allowed in full swing without getting compensation and a rehabilitation and resettlement package.
