Notices to residents living near LMD spark protest; Gangula Kamalakar backs locals

The Irrigation Department’s eviction notices to residents near the Lower Manair Dam sparked political backlash in Karimnagar. BRS MLA Gangula Kamalakar visited affected colonies and vowed support, questioning the move and warning against HYDRAA-style demolitions in the district

Karimnagar: Notices issued by the Irrigation Department to residents living near the Lower Manair Dam (LMD) have triggered sharp criticism from various quarters, with political leaders voicing strong opposition to the move.

The Deputy Executive Engineer (DEE) of Sub-division-1, Division-5, LMD Colony, recently served notices to those residing within 200 metres of the LMD bund, directing them to remove their structures and make alternate living arrangements. The notices warned that failure to comply could result in imprisonment for up to one year under Chapter X, Clause 41 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

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The DEE stated that during the construction of the LMD, several unauthorised structures had come up between the bund and the National Highway bypass without any official permission. As per the Dam Safety Act and Indian Standard Code, no structures are permitted within 200 metres of the dam to ensure proper monitoring of the drainage system, relief wells and outflow mechanisms.

Accordingly, the department ordered the removal of all such constructions within the restricted zone.

Residents of Bathukamma Colony, Hasnapur Colony, and Peddamma Colony under Sapthagiri Colony limits have received the notices. Many locals expressed shock and anxiety upon receiving them.

Leaders from various political parties have since visited the affected areas, criticising the notices and offering their support to the residents.

BRS leader and local MLA Gangula Kamalakar visited Hasnapur and Bathukamma Colony on Wednesday. Interacting with the residents, he assured them that he would take up their cause.

Speaking to the media, Kamalakar said it was “not proper” to serve eviction notices when the majority of the people living in the area were from economically weaker sections.

“There are government buildings too within 200 metres of the dam. Will the government demolish those as well?” he questioned.

He warned that demolitions in Karimnagar would not be tolerated in the name of HYDRAA, as witnessed in Hyderabad.

Alleging that both the State and Union governments were acting in an unethical manner, he demanded that Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other local ministers respond immediately and offer clarity and assurance to the affected families.