Farmers in Machilipatnam oppose land acquisition

After Undavalli and Penumaka villages in the capital zone, farmers of Machilipatnam are strongly opposing the state government’s proposal for land acquisition for constructing a deep sea port. The district officials have identified 5, 277 acres of land Manginapudi, Tapasipudi, Gopuvanipalem, Karagraharam, Chilakalapudi, Bandar East Revenue villages in Machilipatnam mandal.

District Collector Babu has recently submitted a report to the state government, suggesting the requirement of nearly Rs. 700 crore for land acquisition including Rs. 100 crore for rehabilitation of 563 families living in these six villages. But, the Collector’s meeting with the farmers today for this purpose ends in a high tense situation as the farmers start shouting slogans and hurling chairs. They demand the government to construct the port in its lands available if any but not in their lands. They plainly told him that they don’t want to give their lands for constructing the sea port.

The state government is facing similar response from the farmers for its various projects proposed in some districts. Hence, it should avoid confrontation with the farmers otherwise it may provide a great opportunity to its rival parties.