Pharma City row rekindled

Farmers allege double speak

metro india news  I hyderabad

Strong resentment is building among farmers and affected communities over the Pharma City project, with fresh developments indicating that the project has not been officially cancelled. Allegations are mounting that the Congress leadership has gone back on its earlier promise to scrap the project, creating confusion among the public over the status of both Pharma City and the proposed Future City.

The Pharma City project, initiated during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi government, involved acquisition of around 19,000 acres of land from farmers. Instead of implementing the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, the then government introduced the 2016 amended law, leading to widespread criticism. Farmers, agricultural labourers, and rural communities dependent on these lands staged protests and dharnas, alleging that the land acquisition was carried out under pressure and without adequate compensation, severely impacting livelihoods.

Congress promises to scrap Pharma City before polls

At that time, leaders of the Indian National Congress, including current Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, openly supported the protesting farmers. They assured that if voted to power, they would cancel the Pharma City GO, restore justice, and implement the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. These assurances were repeatedly made during public meetings and were also included in the party’s election manifesto.

In the run-up to the 2023 elections, Revanth Reddy strongly criticised the land acquisition process, alleging that fertile agricultural lands in areas like Yacharam and Kandukur were being taken at prices ranging between Rs 14–16 lakh per acre and later handed over to corporate companies at significantly higher rates. He emphasised that farming is tied to the dignity and survival of rural communities and accused the government of threatening the very foundation of village economies.

Similarly, Bhatti Vikramarka, while addressing affected farmers, assured that the Congress would come to power and legally cancel the Pharma City GO within two to three years, ensuring justice to all victims. He urged farmers to continue their struggle, promising that a Congress-led government would rectify the issue.

After coming to power in 2023, the Congress government announced that Pharma City had been cancelled and proposed the development of a “Future City.” However, this claim has now come under serious question. In an affidavit filed before the Telangana High Court on September 19, 2024, Revenue Principal Secretary Naveen Mittal stated that no decision had been taken to cancel GO Ms. No. 31 related to Pharma City. The affidavit further clarified that the government is continuing with the implementation of the GO and that land acquisition is progressing without delay.

This revelation has triggered sharp reactions from affected farmers across Yacharam, Manchal, Maheshwaram, Kandukur, Kadthal, Ibrahimpatnam, and Amanagal mandals. Farmers allege that despite public statements claiming cancellation, the government is continuing land acquisition under different names such as Future City.

Farmers allege misuse of acquired pharma lands

Social activist Kavula Saraswati questioned the legality of using land acquired for Pharma City for other purposes. She argued that land acquired for a specific purpose cannot be diverted without first cancelling the original GO and restarting the acquisition process under the 2013 Act. She also pointed out that court stays are in place in four villages, yet authorities are proceeding with works related to Future City and greenfield highways, calling it a clear violation of legal norms.

Farmers on the ground are reporting ongoing development activity. Pantam Madhu, a farmer from Kurmidda village in Yacharam mandal, stated that his family owned around 13.5 acres of assigned land, out of which nearly 5 acres were acquired for Pharma City. He said the government paid compensation of Rs 8 lakh per acre, but instead of Pharma City development, the land is now being levelled for a greenfield highway using heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators.

The contradiction between earlier promises and current actions has led to growing anger among the affected communities. Farmers accuse the government of misleading them—claiming cancellation publicly while maintaining in court that no such decision has been taken.

With legal ambiguities, political accusations, and on-ground developments continuing simultaneously, the Pharma City issue has once again turned into a major flashpoint, leaving thousands of farmers uncertain about the fate of their lands and livelihoods.