Review of Irrigation Projects : KCR orders speedy disbursement of benefits

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday asked the state irrigation officials to fulfill all the promises, mainly compensation, employment and housing, made to the displaced at the ongoing major irrigation projects.

He said those affected under the projects such as Mallanna Sagar under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Scheme should be attended to forthwith, he told the officials.

The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R and R package) extended to the affected farmers and dwellers at the project sites with the officials at Pragathi Bhavan here.

The meeting assumed significance following the High Court direction to the government to submit a detailed report on the status of rehabilitation this month.

He asked the Revenue officials about the progress in the land requirement and disbursement of compensation to the displaced.

The CM warned the officials of stringent action if any irregularities or delay in disbursing the compensation benefits to the affected.

KCR accorded top priority to the completion of the 50 TMC capacity Mallanna Sagar Reservoir which will fetch irrigation needs in old Medak and parts of old Karimnagar districts.

The CM has set six-month deadline for the completion of the project.

He already expressed his displeasure over circumstances leading to frequent interferences of courts despite so much is being done by the government for the welfare of the displaced families several times.

Officials said that about Rs 800 crore is being spent towards compensation and rehabilitation on Mallanna Sagar displaced persons.

KCR instructed Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary to Irrigation SK Joshi to ensure the extension of R and R package to the displaced under the Palamuru project on a war footing.

He assured the officials of providing enough financial assistance for the speedy disbursement of compensation.