Eviction Drive Sparks Tensions in Nellore Village
27 July 2025 7:10 AM IST27 July 2025 7:10 AM IST
As officials brought in machinery to clear the land, emotional scenes unfolded, with many farmers breaking down near their fields
Revenue officials, accompanied by police, launched an eviction drive to clear encroachments on government land near Kammavaripalli village. (Representational file image: PTI)
TIRUPATI: Tensions prevailed in Kammavaripalli village of Saidapuram mandal, Nellore district, on Saturday as revenue officials, accompanied by police, launched an eviction drive to clear encroachments on government land near the village. The operation targeted Survey No. 793, spanning approximately 114 acres, of which over 40 acres have been under cultivation by tribal families and other locals for nearly two decades.
The land, officially classified as government property, had been occupied and cultivated without legal title, with farmers, primarily from tribal communities, raising lemon orchards and other crops. As officials brought in machinery to clear the land, emotional scenes unfolded, with many farmers breaking down near their fields.
Villagers stated that they had developed the rocky and forested land through years of effort, without any formal assistance. “We planted every tree with our own hands, carried water in buckets for years, and treated these lemon trees like our children,” said an elderly woman.
Farmers said they had invested heavily in the land, hoping the returns would help repay debts and sustain their families. “We are not criminals; we only want to live with dignity. These lemon trees were our only source of hope,” said another affected farmer.
The eviction drive, carried out without any prior compensation or rehabilitation measures, triggered protests in the village. Women sat on the ground in protest, while youth raised slogans demanding a halt to the demolition and dialogue with the government. The large presence of police and heavy machinery contributed to an atmosphere of distress, though no violence was reported.
A revenue official, speaking on condition of anonymity, maintained that the land was being cleared as part of a routine anti-encroachment operation. “The occupation is not legally recognised, and we are implementing orders issued after due verification,” the official said.
However, local leaders and activists criticised the move, calling for immediate dialogue with the affected families. They urged the government to consider rehabilitation or regularisation of land where long-term cultivation has taken place. Meanwhile, evicted families continued to remain at the site, pleading with officials to stop the demolition.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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