What About the Land Already Given by Farmers?
Farmers and farmer association leaders in the Amaravati capital region have urged the government to first develop the land already acquired from farmers for the construction of the capital and fulfil all assurances made to them before considering any fresh land acquisition.
At a meeting held in Undavalli to discuss the problems faced by Amaravati farmers, former minister and farmers’ association leader Vadde Shobanadreeswara Rao, former IAS officer Vijay Kumar, social activists, lawyers and farmers participated. They discussed issues related to capital lands, farmers’ concerns, land acquisition and future course of action.
The participants questioned how farmers could be expected to agree to fresh land acquisition when the problems of those who had already given their lands had not been resolved. They also questioned how the government could expect farmers to trust it under such circumstances.
“Not Even an Acre Should Be Taken”
The participants said the government has a responsibility to first develop the lands already given by farmers for the capital project. They demanded that the promised plots be developed and basic infrastructure be provided.
They questioned the move to acquire more land without resolving the problems of farmers who had already surrendered their lands. They made it clear that not even an acre of additional land should be taken until the existing farmers’ issues are resolved.
How Can Capital Expansion Happen Without Addressing Farmers’ Issues?
Several issues concerning farmers who had already given their lands in the capital region remain unresolved, the speakers said.
They demanded clarity on the development of allotted plots, basic infrastructure and implementation of other assurances made to the farmers.
The speakers questioned how farmers could develop confidence in the government if it sought to acquire new land in the name of capital expansion without first resolving the existing issues.
They raised questions such as: “What happened to the land already given? Has it been developed? To what extent have the assurances made to farmers been implemented?”
Justice Must Be Done to Farmers Who Gave Their Land
The government should first fulfil its responsibilities towards farmers who parted with their lands for the construction of the capital, the participants said.
They argued that it would not be appropriate to take farmers’ lands, make assurances to them and then move towards fresh land acquisition without fully implementing those commitments.
The participants said the government’s responsibility is not limited to acquiring land. It must also implement the assurances given to farmers and provide security for their families’ livelihoods.
Concern Over Acquisition of Multi-Crop Agricultural Land
The importance of agricultural land in the capital region was also discussed at the meeting.
Several farmers expressed concern that acquiring land capable of producing three crops a year for capital-related requirements could affect their livelihoods.
They urged the government to consider the views of farmers before acquiring land and exercise caution when dealing with agricultural land. They said farmers’ interests should not be ignored in the name of development.
“They Are Targeting Us Because We Did Not Give Our Land” — Farmers
Some farmers at the meeting reportedly explained the difficulties they were facing.
One farmer expressed anguish, saying, “I did not give my land. That is why I am being targeted. I am not being allowed to carry out agriculture. They say they will not provide fertilisers. Since I did not give my land, plots were not laid for me.”
Farmers also expressed concern over their livelihoods, saying they had been growing vegetables for their food needs and questioning how they could survive if they were not allowed to cultivate their land.
They questioned where they should go for justice over what they described as pressure from the government.
“They Make Big Promises, But Where Is the Implementation?”
Several participants alleged that while the government makes major assurances regarding the resolution of farmers’ problems, there is no clarity on their implementation.
They demanded that the existing issues be addressed before any further steps are taken in the capital region.
The participants reiterated that justice should first be delivered to farmers who gave their lands for the capital project and only then should new proposals be considered.
Questions Over Fresh Land Acquisition
The emergence of proposals for fresh land acquisition for the expansion of the capital has raised several questions among farmers, the speakers said.
They questioned why new land should be acquired before the farmers who had already given their lands received full justice.
The participants suggested that instead of trying to persuade farmers who have not given their land, the government should first resolve the problems of those who have already parted with their lands and rebuild their confidence.
Farmers’ Key Demands
- Immediately provide developed plots to farmers who have already given their lands.
- Provide roads, electricity and drinking water at the allotted plots.
- Undertake sanitation works in the capital villages.
- Speed up flood prevention and mitigation measures.
- Do not undertake fresh land acquisition until farmers’ existing issues are resolved.
- Do not take land without farmers’ consent and legally mandated compensation.
- Resolve issues related to village sites and Lanka lands.
- Consult farmers on capital projects.
- Implement the assurances and agreements made to farmers.
Justice for Farmers First, Capital Expansion Later!
The proposed expansion of the Amaravati capital has once again brought issues concerning the rights of farmers who gave their lands, implementation of assurances and fresh land acquisition into focus.
Former minister Vadde Shobanadreeswara Rao, former IAS officer Vijay Kumar, farmer association leaders, social activists, lawyers and farmers who participated in the meeting stressed one key point:
The government should first develop the land already taken from farmers, fulfil the assurances made to them and resolve their problems. Only after that should it consider acquiring new land. Until then, not even an acre of additional land should be taken.
The government’s approach to Amaravati’s development, the steps it will take to resolve the problems of existing land-giving farmers and its decision on proposed fresh land acquisition have now become key issues of discussion.
