Former BRS MLAs lodge Lokayukta complaint over Kodangal irrigation project

Former BRS MLAs have approached the Lokayukta alleging large-scale irregularities in land acquisition and compensation for the Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme. They sought an independent probe, while questioning land transactions, compensation distribution, project feasibility and pending statutory clearances.

Hyderabad: Former BRS MLAs lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta on Wednesday, alleging large-scale irregularities in land acquisition and compensation for the Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme. They sought an independent investigation into the entire land acquisition and project implementation process.

Speaking to mediapersons here, former Narayanpet MLA S Rajender Reddy alleged that land records were being forged to divert compensation meant for project-affected families to benefit Congress leaders and officials. He said the list of displaced families was changed thrice, with Congress leaders and revenue officials allegedly colluding to benefit their associates.

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He also questioned the transfer of the district Collector within two months and said the move had raised doubts. He said the project was being pursued for contract commissions. He said the BRS would continue its fight until justice was done to the genuine displaced families.

Former Kodangal MLA Patnam Narender Reddy alleged irregularities in both land acquisition and compensation distribution. He demanded a vigilance inquiry into large-scale land transactions in the name of the Lagacherla industrial corridor, where layouts were allegedly being developed by local Congress leaders. He warned of a major agitation if the government failed to order an inquiry.

Former Makthal MLA Chittam Ram Mohan Reddy questioned the feasibility of the Kodangal lift irrigation scheme, pointing out that the project involved plans to transport water through nearly 90 km of pipelines. He said the project envisaged drawing seven TMCft of water from a reservoir with a capacity of only one TMCft. He stated that the project lacked Central Water Commission and environmental clearances, even as proceedings were pending before the National Green Tribunal.