Protest Over Pancha Gramalu Land Dispute In Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: A protest was staged on Monday at the District Collector’s office here under the banner of the CPIM district committee, seeking a permanent solution to the land dispute involving the ‘Pancha Gramalu’ and protection of the rights of legitimate landowners.

The protesters submitted representations to the collector, seeking immediate action. 

CPIM Visakhapatnam district secretary M Jaggunaidu pointed to the 1903 Gillman Survey Report, which recognised local residents as rightful owners. He said the dispute began when mandal revenue officers of Pendurthi and Chinagadili issued Devasthanam land titles in 1996- 97, creating severe hardships for thousands of families.

He condemned the injustice of “landowners being denied their rights” even though the government previously facilitated registrations and collected stamp duty and fees from them.

Jaggunaidu urged the government to safeguard the rights of landowners holding valid documents and grant house-site pattas to families residing in Survey No. 275 for decades. He urged authorities to ensure that legitimate landowners face no obstacles in land transactions, construction, or bank loans until a permanent solution is found.

“Protecting property rights is a constitutional obligation. If the government fails to act, residents of the five villages will be mobilised for intensified agitation,” he said.

The protest was participated by CPIM district secretariat member B Jagan, district leaders B. Ramani, B Venkatarao and Anantha Lakshmi, along with residents of the five villages, colony welfare association leaders, women, and the families affected by the dispute.