Lagacharla Industrial Park Land Acquisition Process Begins

Hyderabad: The state government has initiated the process of acquiring land for an industrial park at Lagcharla, Hakimpet and Polepally mandals of Vikarabad district. This comes after the controversial pharma village project was scrapped following vehement opposition from farmers and locals.

To facilitate the process, revenue officials are conducting public hearings in the affected villages. The government plans to acquire 1,177.35 acres, including 146.34 acres of patta land and 351.10 acres of government land in Hakimpet. The project has sparked mixed reactions among farmers, leading to tense moments at public hearings.

Farmers with Patta land have strongly opposed the acquisition, arguing that the compensation offered of Rs 17 lakh per acre was far below the market rate of Rs 50 lakh per acre. Many patta landowners have submitted written objections during public hearings, refusing to surrender their land.

On the other hand, farmers cultivating assigned land have largely agreed to the deal. The government sweetened the compensation package to include not only Rs 17 lakh per acre but also an Indiramma house, a 125-square-yard developed plot, and an outsourcing job in the government for one eligible family member based on educational qualifications.

Some farmers have also demanded a "land for land" arrangement instead of monetary compensation, highlighting the deep concerns over livelihood loss.

The industrial park proposal replaces the scrapped pharma village project, which faced violent protests in Lagcharla on November 11. During the unrest, the district collector was attacked, leading to the arrest of 20 farmers, who have since been in judicial custody.

Villagers expressed their anger during the public hearings, demanding the release of the jailed farmers and questioning the government's renewed efforts for land acquisition in their absence. Revenue officials assured the agitated villagers that their grievances would be conveyed to the district collector and the state government.

Public hearings are ongoing, with efforts to address farmer concerns and expedite the land acquisition process. The state government remains committed to the industrial park project, emphasising its potential to drive economic growth in the region.