CM Babu hands over Rs 200 crore compensation to Veligonda displacees

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday handed over a Rs 200 crore compensation cheque to representatives of families displaced by the Veligonda irrigation project, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting those who sacrificed their homes and lands for the major water project. The cheque was handed over at the Assembly premises, taking the total compensation released by the government to Veligonda project-affected families so far to Rs 518 crore. This follows the release of Rs 300 crore on June 27 towards compensation for families affected by project-related submergence.

The Chief Minister said that the government recognized the sacrifices made by farmers and displaced families for the construction of major irrigation projects and assured them that the remaining compensation would also be released at the earliest. The latest payment was made under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) program. Around Rs 318 crore has already been paid to 2,557 families who constructed houses on their own. With Wednesday’s release, another Rs 200 crore will benefit 1,600 displaced families. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would stand by the affected families through the rehabilitation process and ensure that their concerns were addressed.

The government is also developing infrastructure in seven rehabilitation and resettlement colonies established for the displaced families. Infrastructure works have reportedly been completed in six colonies, while works at Vemulakota are still pending. With housing and basic infrastructure becoming available in the rehabilitation colonies, displaced families have gradually begun shifting into their newly constructed homes. The beneficiary families expressed satisfaction over the release of the compensation and thanked the government for extending financial support during a difficult period.