ryots, govt lack clarity on land pooling: Sivaji

Vijayawada: Former MP and agriculture expert Yalamanchili Sivaji observed here on Saturday that land-pooling for the capital had become a serious problem in the State, as both the government and farmers have no clarity on the issue. Speaking to The Hans India, he pointed out that the government had hidden intent which was why the issue had become a major problem now. He wanted the government to make its proposals clear for taking land from ryots. “The government should be more transparent and make all its plans clear. Farmers too should give clarity on their objections,” Sivaji stated.

He remarked that farmers have fears over payment of compensation by the government for their lands. ‘Some farmers are of the opinion that the government is going to give these lands to industrialists and investors at a later date’, he said, adding that farmers were opposing the re-sale of their lands by the government.

The ex-MP discounted farmers’ claims on fertile lands, saying it was only an excuse. He said ryots were selling their fertile lands to realtors at several places in the State. Rich fertile lands on the outskirts of Vijayawada, particularly at Kanuru, Kamayyathopu, Poranki, Pedapulipaka, Penamaluru and Gosala were being sold to realtors without any issue.

Similarly, several acres around Nandigama and Kanchikacharla were converted into housing plots, he said, claiming that that conversion of fertile lands was not an issue, as being projected by farmers. Similarly, the government intent to take 30,000 acres or even more was not acceptable. He wanted it to categorically explain to farmers its proposal on utilisation of land. Sivaji opposed the government intent of giving land to developers who would build the Assembly, the Secretariat and other buildings required for the government.

The former MP wanted the government to come out with its plan and convince farmers. He advised ryots not to miss the opportunity of having the capital in the area. He said the region had missed the capital in 1953 and was subsequently neglected all these years. He felt that the people, particularly farmers, should not miss this opportunity now for some reason or the other.