Farmers in Srikakulam seek return of lands they gave for spinning mill 40 years ago

VISAKHAPATNAM: Farmers of Tamarapalli village under Narasannapeta mandal in Srikakulam district have launched an agitation seeking that the lands they offered for the starting of a spinning mill 40 years ago be returned to them.

This, was after the farmers learned that the Salivahana Weavers Society, the promoters of the spinning mill, was planning to dispose of these lands.

The farmers had donated 30 acres of land from different villages for the mill, hoping it would provide employment to them or their children. But the mill did not materialise.

The lands, having no irrigation facilities, have been neglected for four decades and become arid and unfit for agricultural activities.

The society members held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the modalities for the sale of these lands. They barged into the meeting hall and stalled the proceedings. There were heated arguments between the farmers and the board members.

Before leaving the meeting hall, the farmers warned the board that they would not allow the sale of these lands.

Local sources said the land that cost Rs 1500 per acre 40 years ago was now valued in crores as the site is located close to the National Highway-16. Several developmental activities have taken place there during these 40 years.

A building had been constructed seven years ago and some machinery was set up to start the mill but the plan was not taken forward in all seriousness. Chairman of the society, Manchu Krishnarao, was not available for comment but he was heard saying the lands were put up for sale with a view to raising funds and developing the spinning mill.