Polavaram-displaced will be rehabilitated as per norms, says A.P. Minister Ramanaidu

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Friday informed the Legislative Council that a total of 96,660 project-displaced families (PDFs) from 373 habitations would be rehabilitated under the Polavaram Irrigation Project.

Replying to a question raised by Kumbha Ravibabu, the Minister said the rehabilitation process was being taken up in two phases. Under Phase I, which covers up to +41.15 metres contour, 38,060 families were to be displaced, while in Phase II, covering above +41.15 metres and up to +45.72 metres, 58,600 families would be affected.

Mr. Ramanaidu said that in Phase I, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) compensation was to be provided to 38,060 families. So far, compensation was paid to 19,953 families, including 9,220 belonging to Scheduled Tribes, 2,639 Scheduled Castes, and 8,094 from other categories.

He further stated that housing plots had been allotted to 18,964 beneficiaries under Phase I. Of these, 9,960 were Scheduled Tribes, 2,314 Scheduled Castes, and 6,690 other categories.

The Minister assured the Council that the government was committed to completing the rehabilitation process as per the guidelines approved for the project.