Udandapur oustees stage protest seeking relief, rehabilitation

Mahbubnagar: The farmers of Udandapur village, who have lost their lands to the Udandapur Reservoir, which is being fast-constructed as part of Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation (PRRLI) Project, had gathered in large numbers at Kistaram village and stopped the ongoing works on Monday and sat on a protest demanding rehabilitation and compensation.

The farmers of Kistaram and surrounding regions alleged that the government had so far just given partial payment for their lands and had not shown an alternative place for rehabilitation.

"The government officials earlier said that they have located a place near Jadcherla for rehabilitating the villagers of Udandapur and surrounding villages. However, they have not yet confirmed as to how many people they are going to accommodate and how long they will take up for construction of residences at the proposed site for the oustees. Without giving any clarity on rehabilitation and compensation, they are carrying out the works. We will not allow this and want the officials to conduct a clear survey of our villages, and give assurances to the people and then begin the works. Until then, we will not allow the construction works in our lands," said the protesting farmers.

Earlier, the government had allocated about Rs 100 crore for the relief and rehabilitation of the oustees. However, the officials have so far paid the compensation to some of the farmers while made half of the payments to other oustees.

Those who have not received the payments for their lands and not given the right assurances for their rehabilitation are now on the protest path and demanding the government to immediately resolve their issues first and then begin the project works.