Funds Released to Farmers For Guntur Channel Expansion
Pemmasani noted that the project had faced several challenges at different stages, but efforts were being made to systematically resolve issues and accelerate implementation
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has released ₹17.58 crore as the second installment of compensation to farmers who surrendered their lands for the expansion and modernisation of the Guntur Channel.
The project provides a major boost to the state’s long-pending irrigation infrastructure project.
Central minister for rural development, Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, announced on Sunday that the compensation amount has been directly credited to the bank accounts of farmers from seven villages — Enamadala, Prattipadu, Garapadu, Kondepadu, Mallayapalem, GG Palem and Ravipadu. They, he said, had cooperated with the land acquisition process for the channel’s extension works.
The latest release of `17.58 crore comes in addition to the `10.54 crore already disbursed in the first phase, taking the total compensation paid to affected farmers to `28.12 crore.
Pemmasani noted that the project had faced several challenges at different stages, but efforts were being made to systematically resolve issues and accelerate implementation. The government had not only allocated funds for modernisation and expansion works but also ensured smooth coordination with farmers and timely disbursal of compensation, he said.
Expressing satisfaction over release of the second installment, the minister said the government had upheld the trust the farmers had placed in the administration. He thanked the chief minister for expediting the compensation payments. He also thanked officials for facilitating the process, particularly for the Enamadala and Prattipadu villages.
