Farmer outfits launch protest ‘yatra’ over pending irrigation projects in Srikakulam district

CPI(M) district secretary D. Govinda Rao launching the yatra in Srikakulam on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham and AP Koulu Rythu Sangham launched ‘zeepu’ yatra in Srikakulam on Friday to step up pressure on the government for the completion of pending irrigation projects in the district.

The leaders of the associations will tour in the vehicle in Vajrapukotturu, Palasa, Amadalavalasa, Narasannapeta, Patapatnam and other areas and highlight the inordinate delay in completion of the Vamsadhara phase-2 and other projects.

CPI(M) Srikakulam district secretary D. Govinda Rao, who formally inaugurated the rally, said that the successive governments had ignored the Vamsadhara phase-2 project which needed land acquisition in Odisha. He said that the A.P. government had failed to convince the neighbouring State over the land acquisition which could be done quickly since the requirement was only around 200 acres. He said that the Neradi barrage would be a lifeline for the project.

The party would also stage an agitation on May 7 at the Srikakulam Collector office to oppose the construction of the proposed cargo airport on the lands of farmers in Palasa division, he said.