Neglect and Tragedy in Chinnonipalli: A Village Sacrificed for Political Gains

Gadwal: In Chinnonipalli, a flood-prone village, water has surrounded the area, causing venomous creatures like snakes and scorpions to enter homes. Recently, this morning, two individuals were bitten by scorpions, resulting in the death of a young boy named Mallesh, son of Vadde Badesab, due to a scorpion bite. This news has deeply disturbed the villagers. As water has filled the burrows in the fields, snakes have emerged and are entering homes. The villagers are expressing their anger, stating that they are fighting a daily battle with death. They lament that their lives are being sacrificed for the selfish interests of political leaders.

Some villagers have packed their belongings and are leaving the village, seeking refuge in nearby villages. Despite the ongoing crisis, the authorities remain indifferent, much like the Roman emperor fiddling while Rome burns. The politicians are more focused on asserting their dominance rather than addressing the issues, particularly regarding the unregulated reservoir. The officials are caught in a dilemma, unable to satisfy either the farmers or the politicians.

In a democracy, elected leaders are supposed to serve the people, but it is tragic that they have forgotten their duty and are instead showcasing their arrogance towards the public. Ignoring the plight of a village that is sinking, and essentially telling the villagers to fend for themselves, is a grave injustice. In 2005, a conspiracy was hatched to divert Krishna waters from Telangana to Rayalaseema, leading to the construction of the Chinnonipalli reservoir without any proper irrigation plans. Even after nearly 19 years, the reservoir remains incomplete, leaving the displaced farmers to cultivate their lands themselves.

The previous BRS government also attempted to evict the displaced farmers using police forces but failed. The villagers have vowed not to leave their land without proper compensation, even if it means sacrificing their lives. They have staged protests for approximately 452 days, demanding compensation. However, the then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's government remained indifferent, leaving the problem unresolved. Although today's Congress leaders supported these protests in the past, they are now turning a blind eye. Despite their cries falling on deaf ears, the villagers have not been able to stir the leaders into action.

Therefore, the villagers of Chinnonipalli are urging the current government, led by Revanth Reddy, which claims to be a pro-farmer government, to establish an expert committee to investigate the Chinnonipalli reservoir issue and ensure justice for the farmers.

### Analysis Report:

The situation in Chinnonipalli village highlights a significant failure of governance and the dire consequences of political negligence. The village, currently surrounded by floodwaters, is facing a severe threat from venomous creatures such as snakes and scorpions, which have invaded homes. The tragic death of a young boy due to a scorpion bite underscores the immediate dangers posed to the residents. This incident has understandably caused widespread distress among the villagers, who feel abandoned and betrayed by their leaders.

The root cause of the problem appears to be the incomplete Chinnonipalli reservoir project, initiated in 2005 with the controversial aim of diverting Krishna waters from Telangana to Rayalaseema. The project was started without a proper irrigation plan or consideration of the long-term impacts on the local population. Nearly two decades later, the reservoir remains unfinished, leaving the displaced farmers in a state of limbo. They have been forced to continue cultivating their lands without any compensation or support from the government.

The villagers' frustration is exacerbated by the apparent indifference of political leaders and officials, who have failed to address the issue effectively. The previous BRS government attempted to forcibly evict the displaced farmers but met with resistance, as the villagers refused to leave without adequate compensation. Despite staging prolonged protests, their demands were ignored, leaving them to continue their struggle without any resolution in sight.

The current situation calls for urgent intervention from the government. The villagers are rightfully demanding the establishment of an expert committee to investigate the Chinnonipalli reservoir issue. Such a committee should assess the project's impact on the local population, the reasons for its prolonged delay, and the steps needed to complete the project while ensuring justice for the affected farmers.

Furthermore, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible governance. Elected leaders have a duty to prioritize the welfare of the people they serve. Ignoring the needs and safety of vulnerable communities, particularly in times of crisis, is a dereliction of this duty. The Chinnonipalli case illustrates the devastating consequences of placing political interests above the lives and well-being of ordinary citizens.

In conclusion, the government must act swiftly to address the concerns of the Chinnonipalli villagers. This includes completing the reservoir project with proper safeguards in place, providing adequate compensation to the displaced farmers, and ensuring that such negligence is not repeated in the future. Only by taking decisive and compassionate action can the government restore the trust of the people and fulfill its mandate to serve the public.