BRS Leader Harish Rao Alleges Massive Rs 7,000 Crore Land Grab in Nadergul, Accuses Congress Leaders
In a significant development, senior BRS leader T Harish Rao has leveled serious allegations of a major land grab involving 373 acres of government land in Nadergul, Hyderabad, with an estimated value of nearly Rs 7,000 crore. Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan, Rao accused ruling Congress leaders and politically connected firms of attempting to illegally take control of this valuable property.
Historical and Legal Backing of Government Ownership
According to Harish Rao, the land in question has long been recognized as government property. He provided detailed historical context, citing official and political acknowledgements that date back to the undivided Andhra Pradesh period. Rao emphasized that the land was subsequently transferred to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), reinforcing its status as state-owned.
He further referenced legal findings to support his claims:
- The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) declared the land to be government-owned in 2005.
- Court rulings, including a 2022 high court order, upheld the view that related sale transactions were invalid.
- The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, but no stay has been granted, meaning the high court judgment remains in force.
Allegations of Farmer Intimidation and Environmental Violations
Harish Rao alleged that nearly 600 poor farmers, including women cultivators who have worked the land for decades, are being denied access through severe intimidation tactics. He detailed specific actions such as fencing off the area, destruction of borewells, and police-backed pressure to force them out. Rao claimed that token compensation offers are being made to coerce the farmers into leaving their livelihoods.
In addition to the human impact, Rao raised concerns about environmental violations. He stated that parts of the land fall within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Lachamma Kunta, and that feeder channels to connected water bodies are being damaged. He questioned why the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HYDRAA) and district authorities have not taken action despite numerous complaints from the affected farmers.
Demands for Immediate Government Intervention
Harish Rao demanded immediate intervention by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, calling for:
- Demolition of illegal structures erected on the land.
- Restoration of farmers' access to their cultivated areas.
- Arrests of those responsible for the alleged land grab and intimidation.
He issued a stern warning, stating that BRS leaders would visit the site to assess the situation firsthand if prompt action is not taken by the authorities. This move underscores the political tension surrounding the issue and the BRS's commitment to challenging what they perceive as gross injustice.
The allegations have sparked widespread concern, highlighting potential corruption and land rights violations in the region. As the case awaits Supreme Court review, the spotlight remains on the Telangana government's response to these serious claims.
