UCIL To Acquire 450 Acres For Tail-Pond Expansion In Kadapa
The land acquisition process is expected to take around six months
Anantapur : Kadapa collector Dr Sridhar Cherukuri has assured that uranium-affected villagers will receive fair compensation and employment opportunities as the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) prepares to acquire 450 acres in KK Kottala village for construction of a new tail-pond.
The collector held a meeting with villagers on Tuesday to address concerns over land acquisition for the Tummalapalle uranium project, following rising panic among residents of KK Kottala. TD leader and Pulivendula in-charge B. Tech Ravi, UCIL project officials and revenue authorities attended the interaction.
Sridhar said the UCIL project is of national importance and is being monitored by the Central Government. He assured that all grievances of the affected villagers would be carefully examined and formally reported to New Delhi.
A land committee will soon be formed to oversee the acquisition process, and a public notification will be issued. The process is expected to take around six months, he added. Alongside the new tail-pond, officials will also explore options to increase the height of the existing structure or carry out necessary repairs.
The collector acknowledged the sacrifice of villagers who are giving up their lands and homes for national development. He promised the administration would stand by them and ensure a just, transparent and lawful rehabilitation.
He instructed UCIL to fulfil pending employment promises made to villagers earlier and expedite compensation already sanctioned. Further, he directed the management to take up social responsibility initiatives—such as medical camps, improved sanitation, healthcare facilities and basic amenities—and to provide alternative land and housing in Pulivendula.
TD leader Ravi said KK Kottala residents have been suffering for years and he would bring their demands, including an RRR package, to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Pulivendula RDO Chinnayya, UCIL GM Suman Sarkar, Superintendent & Land Acquisition Officer Naveen Kumar Reddy, Vijay Kumar, P. K. Nair and others attended.