Land oustees of Kondapochamma reservoir are yet to allow resumption of works, which were stalled about a week ago, stating they are not convinced that promises made by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao would be fulfilled even if they budge from their stand.
RDO D. Vijayender Reddy held a discussion with them, but it was not fruitful. Further, Collector P. Venkataram Reddy’s visit to the RDO office without entering it when the oustees were there seems to have complicated the issue and raised a sense of doubt among them.
Earlier, work would be stalled here and there, but this is the first time that it has come to a grinding halt in all three villages — Bailampur, Mamidyala and Thanedarpally — and Thanedarpally tanda. As repeated efforts by officials failed, Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao reportedly held a discussion with them on Wednesday evening after attending the launch of Kanti Velugu at Malkapur in Medak district.
“The reservoir works are nearing completion, but promises made to us more than a year ago have not been fulfilled. We do not know whether they will be fulfilled once the project is completed. Implement your promises and we will allow the works,” the land oustees reportdly told the Minister.
Explaining that they are busy with Haritha Haram and Kanti Velugu programmes and hence, unable to address their issues, Mr. Harish Rao urged them to allow the works and promised fulfilment of the promises within a week. While some gave in, most others held their ground.
“We were promised by the Chief Minister that the Rythu Bandhu scheme will be extended to us. But now they are saying it is not possible. So, we wish that all the compensation due to us must be made in a single payment. We will allow works to resume only when the payment is completed,” said Govardhan Reddy, a resident of Bailampur village.
K. Sattaiah, a villager from Mamidyala, is hopeful that the government will fulfil its promises, stating that Mr. Harish Rao has reiterated that house sites will be allotted to those who have crossed the age of 18. “Some of the youths have doubts over the government fulfilling promises. Once they are shown the sites, they may allow the reservoir works,” he said.