Vamsadhara project caught in web of disputes

Srikakulam: Vamsadhara project is yet again caught in controversy as displaced people of all 13 villages filed writ petitions against the works in the High Court, to which the court granted interim orders and issued temporary injuction on works and ordered the government to maintain status quo.

Highlights:

• Oustees allege official machinery of dispossessing them
• Accuse the district administration of cutting off power, water and ration supplies

Displaced people of Tulagam, Hiramandalm, Barrage Centre (Gotta village), Duggupuram, Garlapadu, Korada, Konda Korada and Chinnakollivalasa villages filed writ petitions alleging that the officials are trying to dispossess land from them forcibly by filling gaps on reservoir bund to store water and other methods.

The High Court granted status quo concerning to reservoir bund works at Tulagam village and issued orders to Srikakulam district officials not to dispossess residents. Concerning to filling of reservoir bund at Duggupuram village High Court also granted temporary injunction in appeal suit not to close the out let of the reservoir bund till further orders.“District officials are threatening us by using police force. They are preventing supply of basic amenities like power, gas, ration goods, water etc.,” said Thottadi Poli Naidu of Duggupuram village.

Meanwhile, the district collector refuted the allegations. Speaking to The Hans India, collector K Dhanunjaya Reddy said that they were not violating High Court orders. “We are not dispossessing the villagers. We are continuing works without touching disputed areas and will file petitions to vacate status quo and injunction orders soon,” he informed.

Toeing on the same line, joint collector KVN Chakradhara Rao said that they are are ready to solve issues within 48 hours regarding displaced people and conduct special grievances meeting at Srikakulam on every Saturday.

By Chowdari Lakshmana Rao