Storage of water in Gandikota reservoir, the main source of drinking and irrigation water for Kadapa district, will lead to submergence of 22 villages. It was decided to provide Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) to 14 villages in the first phase and 8 villages in the second phase. The first phase of rehabilitation went off smoothly, but the second phase is proving to be a headache for the government. It is facing fierce protests from residents of Talla Prodduturu, Chamaluru and Erragudi villages. Release of water even before evacuation has infuriated the people. Authorities are now storing 12.5 tmf ft water in the reservoir that has a total capacity of 26.85 tmc ft. However, backwaters of the reservoir flooded Taalla Prodduturu, Chamaluru and Erragudi villages. Around 3,000 families that have been identified as ‘project-displaced’ have to be rehabilitated. The government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for rehabilitation and Rs 7 lakh along with house site for resettlement for each family. So far, only 1,000 families have been given compensation since the process began on August 23. Officials razed a house in Talla Prodduturu even before disbursing compensation to all the families. Besieged by looming flood on one side and destruction of their houses by authorities, people of these villagers hit the roads. Following this, the government deployed police force in large numbers in the villages.
Ex-bureaucrat’s letter to CM
In this backdrop, former IAS officer and activist EAS Sarma wrote a letter to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy highlighting the plight of displaced villagers. He complained that officials are forcing the villagers to abandon their houses and their goods. He pointed out that these displaced people were not given compensation under 2013 Land Acquisition Act and the process prescribed under the law was not followed while acquiring the land from them.
Sarma said in his letter that this illegal acquisition amounts to violation of rights of the affected people and expressed confidence that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will intervene in the matter and do justice to the displaced population. The former bureaucrat also expressed dismay over house arrest of Human Rights Forum state vice-president Jayasree for supporting the agitation by the displaced villagers. He demanded immediate easing of restrictions imposed on her. Sarma worked as Andhra cadre IAS between 1965-2000 and held important positions in Union Power and Finance ministries.
Many displaced villagers are yet to receive compensation. “We are paid in the morning and asked to leave our homes by evening. How is this possible for us?” is the question being asked by the agitating villagers. There is an urgent need for the Chief Minister to intervene and reassure them. They are asking why their cries for help and justice are not reaching Jagan.
