Kothagudem: Julurpadu market yard project delayed, farmers seek government intervention

Construction of the proposed Julurpadu agriculture market yard in Kothagudem district remains pending despite a Rs 3 crore sanction and land allotment. Farmers have urged Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao to intervene and expedite the project.

Kothagudem: The works construction of Julurpadu agriculture market yard sanctioned nearly one half year ago is yet to be commenced, much to the chagrin of the farming community in Julurpadu mandal and surrounding areas in the district.

The new market yard construction was proposed during the BRS regime at Ontigudise crossroads to benefit the farmers as the Julurupadu market located on the borders of Khammam and Kothagudem district lacked basic facilities. Julurupadu is situated in Kothagudem district and falls under Wyra Assembly constituency in Khammam district.

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The State government sanctioned Rs 3 crore; allotted 10 acres of land for the market construction and work tenders were also called for ten months ago. Julurupadu market located on the borders of Khammam and Kothagudem district earns a revenue of Rs 3 to 4 crore annually.

Farmers are questioning the authorities about the delay in taking up the construction even as the market earns sizable income. The farmers are demanding Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao Wyra MLA Ramdas Naik to take steps to start the market constriction forthwith.

Farmers from nearby mandals like Sujatha Nagar, Annapureddypalle, Chandrugonda and Enkoor bring farm produce like cotton and chilli to Julurupadu for sale, which is carried out in an open space. Due to lack of facilities they are forced to go to Khammam or Kothagudem markets.

Speaking to Telangana Today, CPI (M) mandal committee secretary Yasa Naresh said that when they asked the marketing and agriculture officials they are holding the contractor as responsible for the delay in taking up the construction work. He wanted the Minister Nageswara Rao to take initiative to speed up the works.

Khammam district agriculture marketing officer MA Aleem stated that clearance from the forest department is pending for launching Julurupadu market construction works. As soon as the forest clearance is received the works would be commenced, he noted.