Erravalli village in Kondapaka mandal looks forlorn. Residents know that their days in the village are numbered, and with a month’s notice their relationship with the village will be severed forever. Reason?

This is one of the eight villages that would be submerged under the Mallannasagar project.

Aare Kishtaiah is over 70 years old and a native of Erravalli. His wife died over a decade ago. A few years ago, his daughter came to his house and took away all the utensils and other items, abandoning him. Some kind neighbours spared their utensils for him. Because of old age, his spine is completely bent, and he cannot stand straight.

He carries two water bottles – each of five litres in each hand — from the nearby place to meet his drinking water needs. Whenever health permits, Kishtaiah cooks. At times, someone in the village gives him their leftovers, or someone shares the food they cooked at home, with him.

Beyond relief

Officials have fixed 65 years as the age limit to extend the relief package for the villagers. The package covers ₹7.5 lakh, a 250-sq yard residential plot, and a 560-sq ft double bedroom house in that plot, or ₹ 5.04 lakh in lieu of the double bedroom house.

As Kishtaiah is past the age limit fixed by the government, he was unable to get the package.

“We do not have the exact figures right now. But there are about 10 persons in the village – single men or women — who are not eligible for the package owing to their age. The question is: who will feed them once they vacate the village?” asked Palle Raju, vice-president of the village.