Villagers in Revanth Reddy’s constituency protest against relocation of colleges and schools

Villagers in Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s Kodangal constituency protested against the relocation of a medical college, veterinary college and school from Appayapally to Lagacherla, alleging the move would halt local development and favour industrial projects in the new location.

Kodangal: Villagers in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s Kodangal constituency staged protests on Thursday against the relocation of educational institutions from Appayapally to Lagacherla in Dudyala mandal, alleging that such a move would stall development in their villages.

The State government had sanctioned a medical college, a veterinary college and an integrated school for Appayapally in Kodangal mandal. However, after reports surfaced that these institutions were being shifted to Lagacherla, residents of Parsapur also held a rasta roko.

Organised under the aegis of the Kodangal Development Joint Action Committee, villagers squatted on the roads and raised slogans demanding that the colleges and schools remain in their originally sanctioned locations.

They said about 70 acres of land had already been acquired at Appayapally for the medical college, where works had commenced. Similarly, construction of the integrated school began at Kodangal town but was abruptly halted over the past few days, with machinery reportedly shifted to Lagacherla.

Villagers said the government’s decision to relocate them to Lagacherla, where industrial units are already being planned, would only deepen the developmental divide in the CM’s constituency.

“The Chief Minister should reconsider the decision and ensure the colleges and schools are established in Appayapally,” the villagers demanded.

“When we sought clarity from officials about the relocation, none responded. Irked by their silence, we decided to protest,” said a resident.