AP Farmers Allege Illegal Land Grabs by Authorities

Fast Summary

• Farmers’ and agricultural workers’ unions in Andhra Pradesh claim that 1,91,472 acres of fertile farmland have been unlawfully acquired over the past decade by bypassing the 2013 Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Act.
• A statewide discussion was held to raise awareness about alleged land grabs affecting 173 villages across 64 mandals in 18 districts.
• unions allege misuse of police force for land seizures, negatively impacting the State’s economy, rural employment, and food grain security.
• Land has reportedly been transferred to corporates for projects including airports, highways, steel plants, solar parks, SEZs, ports, and Amaravati capital region development without sufficient compensation or promised job creation.
• Allegations include failure to provide adequate government jobs for displaced communities; some victims were offered only low-paying roles such as watchmen or sweepers.
• pending compensation cases remain unresolved in areas like Polavaram; displacement resistance halted acquisition efforts in other regions.
• The unions demand adherence to lawful procedures under the 2013 Act-ensuring farmer consent along with fair compensation and rehabilitation-and warn against further forcible acquisitions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The claims raised by farmers’ unions underscore a challenging balance between developmental priorities and safeguarding citizen rights. The reported displacement of farmers without proper compensation highlights critically important concerns regarding transparency and fair process under land acquisition laws. If true,such practices could set harmful precedents that undermine trust between rural communities and the government.

Moreover, transferring fertile agricultural lands-crucial for food security-to non-agricultural projects risks jeopardizing livelihoods while failing to deliver on economic promises like industrial growth or jobs. This also raises questions about accountability mechanisms when large-scale development plans fall short of stated objectives.

A lawful approach ensuring proper rehabilitation under existing frameworks is essential to maintain equitable development while avoiding economic disruption for disadvantaged groups. Ensuring full compliance with legal provisions could foster long-term trust among stakeholders involved in India’s ambitious infrastructure-building goals.

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