Date:19/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081908090400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

State aid likely for crop damage in faction feuds

Special Correspondent

K. Jana Reddy

HYDERABAD: The Government is examining the issue of awarding compensation to victims who suffered crop damage in factional disputes and treat such cases as `grave crimes', Home Minister K. Jana Reddy informed the Assembly on Friday.

Admitting that fruit-bearing trees and groves were being destroyed in Anantapur district as part of factional disputes, he told S. Sailajanath (Cong.) in a written reply that 21 incidents had occurred this year in which 3,857 trees such as sweet lime, sapota and papaya were damaged. This was not a petty crime and was being treated as cognisable case.

Leased lands

An extent of 21,657.60 acres had been leased out to private individuals in the State and the annual income derived by the Government from such lands was Rs. 74.57 lakhs, Revenue Minister D. Prasada Rao informed N. Janardhana Reddy (TDP) and others in a written answer. He said the leased lands were being used for the purpose for which they were allotted.