Illegal drawing of water from canal alleged

Atmakur: Encroachers dug 12 deep trenches and constructed stone structures in the main canal of Padmaraja Cheruvu near Inderaswara village close to Nallamala forest in order to illegally tap irrigation water depriving the facility to the ayacut tail-end farmers. The trenches that resemble wells spread over 6km with a depth of 25ft.

It is learnt that one Venkat Reddy encroached 3.26 acre land. Taking advantage, 20 others including Ranganna, Shankaraiah and Venkat Rao dug these 12 deep trenches. The Transco officials have provided them with electricity connection. According to allegations, the affected farmers Chandra Reddy, Sreedhar and local farmers have been trying to bring the matter to the notice of the Collector, the Tahsildar and the RDO for the past six months.

However, following a representation, Deputy Chief Minister KE Krishnamurthy reacted and directed the officials concerned to take necessary action. The local Revenue officials couldn’t remove the encroachments due to the intervention of a TDP MLC. The farmers while questioning the government over the issue wondered whether there was no one to check the illegal constructions.

While confirming the illegal constructions, Atmakur Tahsildar Rajasekhar Babu told The Hans India that action would be taken after serving notices.

M Sathya Peter