Polavaram Families Seek Jobs, Pending Compensation
Lack of regular employment has added to their difficulties
KAKINADA: Families displaced by the Polavaram irrigation project are pressing their demand for employment and release of compensation, as they face a lot of difficulties in the rehabilitation colonies.
The families say they had lost agricultural lands for the project and were now working as daily wage labour, but even work availability is scarce. Youths who completed education up to Class X, Intermediate or graduation remain unemployed.
According to them, the government had issued orders sanctioning a `10 lakh compensation per family, but only a part of this amount has been released.
At a rehabilitation colony in Challa Varigudem near Tadvayi in Eluru district, built to accommodate 6,000 families, around 4,000 families have shifted, while others are yet to relocate. Basic facilities such as drinking water tanks, drainage and street lighting have been provided. But, residents allege, the maintenance has been inadequate.
V. Lakshman, who shifted from Velerupadu mandal, said, “They are not able to drink the water due to its foul smell and insects. Complaints on cleaning of water tanks had not yielded results.”
Residents also pointed to stagnant drainage water and poor sanitation in parts of the colony. Lack of regular employment has added to their difficulties.
Some residents said agricultural work in nearby tobacco fields was seasonal and insufficient. Non-tribal families stated they received only monetary compensation, while tribal families were given land.
U. Srinivasa Rao, who migrated from Tekuru village, said, “Previously, we used to give `3,000 per acre to the farmers, when we took a lease. But now, the farmers want `50,000 per acre. We are not able to pay such lease amounts.’’
Residents urged the government to provide employment opportunities, including setting up industries in the region, and release the remaining compensation to support their livelihoods.
