“If the Farmer Cries, the Kingdom Cannot Survive”
Retired Justice B. Chandrakumar said that the welfare of farmers is the foundation of a state’s development, remarking, “If the bull cries, there will be no agriculture; if the farmer cries, there will be no kingdom.” He expressed strong concern over the Chandrababu Naidu government’s land acquisition drive for the proposed Andhra Pradesh capital.
After visiting Penumaka on Tuesday and interacting with affected farmers, Justice Chandrakumar participated in a seminar titled “Forced Land Acquisition – Legal Aspects”, organized by the Andhra Pradesh Development Decentralisation Discussion Forum in Vijayawada, where he made several key observations.
Fertile Agricultural Lands Should Not Be Taken in the Name of Development
Justice Chandrakumar said that forcibly acquiring fertile agricultural lands in the name of development would severely impact farmers’ livelihoods. He observed that a farmer shares a mother-child-like relationship with his land, and questioned how a family owning just two acres could survive if its land was taken away.
Questions Over Selection of Capital Land
He questioned why the government was targeting highly fertile lands producing two or three crops annually, despite the availability of barren lands around Vijayawada.
He also pointed out that development work on lands already acquired for the capital has not been completed, making further land acquisition unjustified.
Allegations of Harassment Against Farmers
Justice Chandrakumar referred to allegations that farmers who refused to part with their land were being harassed.
According to him, reports of authorities digging trenches around agricultural fields, disconnecting electricity supply, and damaging borewells are contrary to the spirit of democracy and unacceptable in a democratic society.
Compensation Must Comply With the Law
He stated that under the law, if multi-crop agricultural land is acquired, affected farmers should be provided land in exchange for land wherever applicable, along with compensation based on the prevailing market value.
He further noted that although farmers were promised developed plots in return for surrendering their lands, many were still uncertain about where those plots were located.
Government Must Reveal Industrial Development Details
Justice Chandrakumar also questioned the government’s record on lands acquired for industrial purposes.
He demanded that the government disclose:
- How many industries have actually been established on acquired lands.
- How many local residents have received employment because of those projects.
He emphasized that every family that loses agricultural land should be guaranteed sustainable livelihood and employment support.
