Irrigation project puts KCR in a fix; Fear of submergence leads to protests

Medak, July 25: After assuming charge as the CM of the newly-formed Telangana state, KCR, for the first time, is facing the wrath of the public.

Trouble started when villagers, marching towards the inter-state highway, were intercepted by the police near Yerravalli village in Kondapak mandal and the former started pelting stones at them after a heated argument. Some from the group even attempted self-immolation. In retaliation, police also lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob.

At least 10 farmers from various villages were injured in lathi charge.

Meanwhile, Telangana Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao has appealed to the people and police to exercise restraint, saying, "people should not fall into the trap of Opposition parties".

The TRS government led by K Chandrasekhar Rao proposed to construct Malanna Sagar irrigation project at Yetigadda Kishtapur village in Kondapak mandal, for which the government is acquiring 12,000 acres of land.

Once completed, the project, estimated to cost Rs 9,800 crore, would irrigate 12 lakh acres of land in Medak, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ranga Reddy districts.

Around 14 villages are likely to be submeged as the project takes shape. The protest was staged by the residents of these villages. They are resisting acquisition of land and are demanding compensation under the Land Acquisition Act 2013.

The intermittent protests against the project have been going on for the last 50 days.

Last week, a 73-year-old farmer, B Narasaiah, hailing from Pallepahad village, had committed suicide, allegedly against the land acquisition for the project.

It is to be noted that Medak district is represented by KCR himself.

OneIndia News