Date:21/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/21/stories/2008022151120800.htm

Andhra Pradesh

CPI(M) alleges irregularities in land acquisition

Correspondent

VIZIANAGARAM: The CPI (M) district committee has alleged several irregularities in land acquisition and payment of compensation to persons displaced by Tarakarama Theertha Sagar Reservoir project

During field visit along with mediapersons and farmers in Kumili panchayat of Poosapatirega mandal on Tuesday, partydistrict secretary M. Krishna Murty said that six individuals were paid compensation for Poojaribanda tank.

The Revenue Department, however, stopped payment after the irregularity was brought to its notice. In other cases, the extent of land was either registered less or more than the land possessed by farmers. Majji Tavudu claims that he owns 2 acres and 5 cents of land but in record the extent was shown as 1 acre and 6 cents.

Boosara Ramesh has 3 acres and 8 cents but it was recorded as 2 acres and 2 cents. Kondapu Yellayamma, Bangaru Appanna, Mamidi Appaiah, Voorapadi Appaiah and many more have made similar complaints to the visitors.

Compensation

This shows that the administration had announced compensation even without conducting physical survey, opined the CPI (M) secretary.

With regard to compensation for trees, Ginni Krishna Reddy, a farmer, said that he was paid compensation for 12 coconut trees at the rate of Rs. 1750 per tree against 107 coconut trees, 25 cashew, 20 Neelagiri, four mango, 150 Palmyra, four Neem and 30 drumsticks on his field. He refused to accept the compensation amount. Gompa Sriramulu, Budatha Chinna Rao, Vaddadi Ramu, Bangaru Appaiah and others said that they were not even offered compensation for coconut, mango, sapota, teakwood and other trees.

Mr. Krishna Murty said that for the same reason the farmers with the support of his party launched stir at the project site. But it was suspended after Minister for Housing Botsa Satyanarayana assured them of justice as per the government guidelines. But he had not kept the promise, Mr. Krishna Murty said and threatened to launch an agitation if an inquiry into the irregularities in land acquisition was not ordered.