Date:17/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/17/stories/2008091760640800.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Khammam

Farmers hold agitation against industrial park

Staff Reporter

KHAMMAM: Some 800 farmers from four villages – Mondikunta, Anandapuram, Mallemadugu and Ramachandrapuram – staged a rasta roko in Aswapuram on Bhadrachalam-Eturunagaram road protesting against the moves of the government to acquire their lands for the proposed industrial park. Backed by all parties they squatted on the road. The farmers complained that 1500 acres in the ayacut of the Thummalacheruvu irrigation tank was sought to be acquired by the Department of Industries for the purpose against the wishes of the farmers.

The irrigation was developed at a cost of Rs. 5 crore, but the land in the command was being given for industrial development. They wanted the government to withdraw the notification issued for acquiring the lands. The farmers gave up the protest following the intervention of police.