Andhra Pradesh: Ex-MP Ordered to Pay Rs 5.4 Cr Fine for Illegal Excavation

Visakhapatnam: The district mining and geology department has asked the promoters of Hayagriva Villas and Farms Project, former Visakhapatnam MP M.V.V. Satyanarayana and his partner G. Venkateswarulu, to pay Rs 5.43 crore as a penalty for digging earth in survey no. 92 of Yendada in Visakhapatnam without the department’s permission. An official notice issued on Friday asked the promoters to pay the amount within 15 days from the date of the notice.

The project was mired in controversy from the beginning. The state government allotted 12.5 acres in Yendada to facilitate the construction of orphanages and old-age homes. As per the allotment conditions, 10 per cent of the land is to be used for orphanages and old-age shelters, and 30 per cent for roads, parks, and other infrastructure. The remaining land is to be used for the construction of old-age homes, which should be given at a nominal cost.

However, TD state president Palla Srinivasa Rao, Jana Sena leader and GVMC corporator P.L.N. Murthy Yadav contended that the Hayagriva Villas diverted from the original allotment condition and began constructing housing and villas for the rich.

Murthy Yadav asked the government to take back the land as there were several violations in the project.