Problems galore for Madduvalasa displaced in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Displaced people under Madduvalasa irrigation project have been facing problems for the last 19 years. The project is located at Madduvalasa village in Vangara mandal.

The project works started in 1976 and completed in 2001. Since then people of 12 villages have been facing problems. Five villages, Magguru, Kottisa, Laximpeta, Peddadevakivada and Gudivada were fully affected. A rehabilitation colony was set up for residents of these five villages at Mutyalammacheruvu in Vangara mandal. But basic amenities are yet to be provided in these colony.

Partially affected villages are seven under the project, Patuvardhanam, Nukalivada, Narendrapuram, Kottapeta, Devakivada, VRPeta, Gitanapalli. In all the seven villages 90 per cent of the lands were submerged but villages remained as a result people of these seven villages lost their livelihood.

Surrounded by the project water, residents of the seven villages are facing health issues during rainy season. After swearing in, former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy released Rs 27.13 crore for rehabilitation of people of partially-affected villages in 2004 but the funds have not been utilised properly as a result the issue is yet to be resolved.

All development works like roads, drains, water supply etc are yet to be provided for these villages. The villagers are also being deprived of welfare schemes. However, Palakonda RDO V VijayaKumar says pending issues regarding compensation and providing basic amenities will be cleared after field level verification.