Stiff Resistance To Road Widening Projects In Vemulawada
14 July 2025 9:36 PM IST14 July 2025 9:36 PM IST
Demolitions spark protests as Vemulawada road-widening for Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple development resumes amid compensation concerns.
District collector Sandeep Kumar Jha inspects the demolition works being carried out by officials under the road widening project from Thippapur bus stand to Rajanna temple here in Vemulawada of Rajanna Sircilla district on Monday. (Image:DC)
Karimnagar: Road-widening work on the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple development project resumed on Monday, covering the stretch from Thippapur bus stand to the Rajanna Temple in Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district. Early that morning, officials deployed JCB machines to demolish buildings, shops, and sheds opposite the bus stand, clearing space not only for the widened road but also for completion of the second Moola Vagu bridge, which had been left unfinished.
However, the demolition met fierce resistance from affected residents, who blocked officials and protested that their properties were being torn down without full compensation. One resident even climbed a nearby hoarding to demand a halt to the work. Locals alleged that bulldozers were brought in at midnight, and that around 30 households received immediate eviction notices without any compensation.
To maintain order, about 60 police personnel, led by Town Circle inspector Veera Prasad, were deployed. Officers intervened, explained the project’s scope to the protesters, and persuaded the hoarding‐climber to descend so work could proceed. Despite these efforts, residents continued to accuse the authorities of ignoring their plight. Officials, however, maintained that they were following higher-level orders and would not suspend the demolition.
Revenue officials noted that notices had been served a week earlier and that the demolitions formed part of land acquisition for the new bridge. They added that approximately 150 structures had already been removed a month ago for road-widening between the original Moola Vagu bridge and the Rajanna Temple.
Later, district collector Sandeep Kumar Jha visited the site, inspected the demolition, and directed officials to follow proper procedures. When residents raised their concerns, he assured them that the development would proceed without unduly harming homeowners and urged their cooperation, emphasising that the upgraded road and new bridge would greatly benefit temple devotees and visitors from afar.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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