Minister Dharamana assures to solve port land dispute

Visakhapatnam: Revenue minister Dharmana Prasada Rao assured the people of three villages who raised a dispute over land acquisition for the Moolapeta Port in Srikakulam.

The minister held a meeting on Friday in the collector's office in Srikakulam with the farmers of Bannuvada, Modugu-valasa, and Vemulapvada whose land was being taken for the development of the road connecting the port. The dispute was regarding payment of compensation to the farmers.

"I will examine all the records and do justice to the farmers," the minister told reporters.
 
District collector Srikesh Lathkar said there were legal tangles in the payment of compensation under the Land Acquisition Act. He said discussions were ongoing with the farmers and their family members regarding payment. Around 69 acres were being acquired for the port connectivity road, the collector said.

Farmers told reporters that the lands were yielding good crops and they agreed to part with the land expecting good employment for their children.