Khammam Collector Defends Demolition of 600 Houses on Bhoodan Land as Legal
In a significant development following the demolition of 600 houses on Bhoodan land in Velugumatla village, Khammam district collector Anudeep Durishetty has asserted that the actions taken by the district administration were entirely legal and in compliance with judicial directives. The demolitions, which occurred a day prior to his statement, have sparked controversy and protests from evicted families.
Legal Basis and High Court Orders
Collector Durishetty emphasized that the government acted to protect a valuable public asset by taking possession of the Bhoodan Board land, following explicit orders from the chief commissioner of land administration (CCLA) and the Telangana High Court. He revealed that a writ petition challenging the demolitions conducted on February 24 was filed in the high court, but it was subsequently rejected, reinforcing the legality of the administration's actions.
Investigation Reveals Forged Documents and Unlawful Allocations
A thorough investigation conducted by the Bhoodan Yagna Board and the revenue department uncovered evidence of forged documents and unlawful allocations related to the land. As a result, criminal charges have been filed against several individuals, with legal proceedings currently ongoing. The collector stated that this investigation justified the government's intervention to reclaim the encroached land.
Details of the Encroached Land and Its Value
The Bhoodan land in question spans 31 acres and seven gunta, with an estimated total value exceeding Rs 250 crore. Collector Durishetty highlighted that this land had been subject to significant encroachment, prompting the need for decisive action. The government has taken possession of the remaining land, excluding structures that are under a high court stay order.
Future Use of the Land and Measures for Affected Families
The seized land is slated for future public purposes, as announced by the collector. Additionally, he assured that the government will implement appropriate measures to ensure justice for the local poor who lost their homes in the demolition. This includes potential support and rehabilitation efforts for the affected families.
Protests by Evicted Families
Meanwhile, the evicted families have taken to the streets in protest, blocking the Khammam–Wyra road to voice their opposition to the demolition of their houses. This demonstration underscores the ongoing tension and humanitarian concerns arising from the incident.
The situation remains dynamic as legal proceedings continue and the government works to balance land reclamation with the welfare of displaced residents.
