Farmers Demand Fair Compensation for Triple-R Project Displacement
Choutuppal: The convener of the Triple-R Displaced Farmers’ Association and Single Window Chairman, Chintala Damodar Reddy, has urged the government to provide “land for land” compensation for farmers affected by the Triple-R project. He pointed out that the government offers such compensation for forest land taken for projects and road construction but questioned why this policy doesn’t apply to displaced farmers.
On Thursday, hundreds of displaced farmers gathered in front of the RDO office to demand changes to the Triple-R alignment. They insisted that if the alignment could not be changed, they should be compensated with alternative lands or given financial compensation at three times the market rate, as per the 2013 law.
The protest saw heavy police deployment around the RDO office. Despite attempts by the police to block their entry, some farmers managed to force their way in. They staged a sit-in protest at the main gate, raising slogans against the government, the Chief Minister, district ministers, MPs, and MLAs.
During the demonstration, the farmers called for the resignation of leaders who failed to fulfill promises made while in opposition. They also warned that officials would not be allowed to visit their villages unless their demands were met. Speaking to the crowd, Damodar Reddy questioned why fertile lands that have been cultivated for generations, producing two crops annually, were being taken away from farmers.
The protest highlighted the frustration of the displaced farmers and their fight for fair treatment and justice.
