AP Govt to allow Kolleru land owners to continue farming

Hyderabad, Jun 9 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government today decided to allow owners to continue with agriculture operations till the land was acquired and due compensation paid in connection with the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary Project.

The decision was conveyed by Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today during a review meeting with Ministers, people's representatives and the respective district collectors.

The meeting also decided a Special Leave Petition (SLP) shall be filed in the Supreme Court to permit the release of state government funds deposited with the Environment and Forest Department to pay compensation for the land to be acquired for the sanctuary since it was formed part of environment protection.

A socio-economic survey was conducted in all the 45 villages where fish tanks were demolished in the Kolleru area.

The implementation of rehabilitation package to the affected families was being routed through the SC/ST/BC/Self Help Groups Schemes, an official release here said.

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