Rangareddy farmers oppose forced land acquisition for pharma projects
HYDERABAD: Farmers from Rangareddy district have raised serious concerns over alleged threats from representatives tied to the proposed Pharma City and Green Pharma projects, who, they claim, are pressuring them to relinquish their land holdings.
These landowners, many of whom have been farming in the region for generations, stated that they were being pushed out to make way for industrial expansion without adequate consideration for their rights and livelihood.
Aggrieved by the development, they poured out their woes in a letter addressed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and minister D. Anasuya Seethakka, agriculture and farmer welfare commission chairman M. Kodanda Reddy, Planning Board vice-chairman Dr. G. Chinna Reddy and social activist Prof. M. Kodandaram.
They urged the Chief Minister to stand by his election promises of protecting agricultural land and livelihoods of farmers.
Speaking on their behalf, social activist Kavula Saraswathi said, “Our land is our identity and source of livelihood. It is deeply concerning that these so-called developmental projects are being pushed upon us without dialogue. We trusted the leaders’ promises and expect them to fulfill their commitment to farmers.”
They reminded Kodanda Reddy of his past advocacy for agrarian issues.
“We hope he will once again champion our cause like he did earlier. Farmers are standing united and we urge him to raise his voice against these injustices,” said B. Reddy, a farmer from the region.
To further their efforts, the farmers have established a committee to strategise their next moves. The farmers made it clear that they are not opposed to progress but demand fair treatment and justifiable compensation.
