Rehabilitation for oustees first: HC

The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday directed the state government not to displace families affected by the Gouravelli reservoir in Siddipet district and Karvena reservoir in Mahbubnagar district without providing them with resettlement and rehabilitation packages.

The two reservoirs form part of the Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao gave the interim direction while dealing with two separate petitions filed by affected families.

Ms B. Rachna Reddy, counsel for petitioners, submitted that due to the increase of the capacity of Gouravelli reservoir from 1.44 tmc fr to 9 tmc ft, the source of livelihood of several families who are dependent on agriculture was severly affected. She said officials were trying to drive away artisans and agriculture workers without providing them relief which was mandated under the law.

She said the government had acquired land under GO 123 for the Karvena reservoir in Mahabubnagar but had not announced any R&R packages for the affected families.

Justice Ramachandra Rao said the affected families should be rehabilitated in accordance with Sections 16 to 18 and 38 of the Land Acquisition Act 2013 and Sections 23A, 30, 30A, 3 and 31A of the Telangana Amendment Act 2016.