Senior leader of the BRS party, T Harish Rao, has made startling allegations of a massive land grab in Nadergul, involving approximately 373 acres of government-owned land estimated to be worth nearly Rs 7,000 crore. Rao addressed the media at Telangana Bhavan, where he accused influential Congress leaders and politically affiliated entities of unlawfully attempting to seize control of the land.
According to Rao, the disputed land has long been established as government property, with documented acknowledgements dating back to the undivided Andhra Pradesh period. He also referenced legal findings, including a 2005 declaration by the RDO affirming the government's ownership of the land, as well as subsequent court rulings upholding the invalidity of related sale transactions, including a recent 2022 high court order. Despite the matter being sub judice with the Supreme Court, Rao highlighted that no stay has been granted, thereby allowing the high court judgment to remain in effect. Additionally, Rao alleged that approximately 600 underprivileged farmers, including female cultivators who have toiled on the land for generations, are facing intimidation tactics, fencing off of their access, destruction of borewells, and pressure from the police. He claimed that nominal compensation offers are being made to coerce them into vacating the area.
Furthermore, Rao raised concerns about environmental violations, citing encroachment on parts of the land falling within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Lachamma Kunta, and damage to feeder channels connected to water bodies. He questioned the inaction of HYDRAA and district authorities despite complaints from the affected farmers. Demanding immediate intervention, Rao urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to take action, including the demolition of illegal structures, restoration of farmers' access, and the apprehension of those responsible. He also issued a warning that BRS leaders would personally visit the site if necessary action is not taken.
