Tribals opposed to mini reservoir in Tekkali mandal

Srikakulam: Tribals in Tekkali and Nandigama mandals strongly opposed mini reservoir at Durgagedda at Mukhalingapuram in Tekkali mandal. Government proposed a mini reservoir at Mukhalingapuram, Lankapadu and Bendakayalapeta villages in Tekkali mandal.

A foundation was also laid by Transport Minister K Atchannaidu recently. Irrigation department officials also initiated survey to complete the reservoir works.

With the construction of mini reservoir, the farmers particularly tribals of Mukhalingapuram, Lankapadu, Bendakayalapeta, Chiruthanapalli, Pathrapuram and G Jagannadhapuram villages would be affected.

With construction of reservoir, farm fields would be submerged and tribals would become unable to cultivate crops through podu mode on the hilly lands. Even they are unable to get water for their fields due to its location at hilly areas.

The State government lacks vision on construction of reservoir and it should first resolve the problems of tribals, said Tekkali Assembly segment Jana Sena leaders Attada Sridhar and Kurakula Yadav.

“It is illegal to propose mini reservoir at wrong location which will harm large number of people than beneficiaries,” said Vyavasaya Karmika Sangham district vice-president Kolli Yellayya.

“We have received objections submitted by tribals on mini reservoir and forwarded it to the government through district collector,” said Tekkali RDO M Venkateswara Rao to The Hans India.