Government set to acquire land for Bhavanapdu port

Meeting on October 8 to decide on compensation

K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu

The State government is all set to acquire land for construction of the Bhavanapadu port proposed in Santabommali mandal in the district by accepting the legitimate demands of the displaced persons, who include fishermen, according to district Joint Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu.

Special package

Apart from paying compensation under the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, the government is likely to offer a special package for fishermen as their livelihood will be affected.

The government needs 2,321 acres for the port to be constructed by the Adani Group — 578 acres in Devunaltada, 1,439 acres in Marripadu and 304 acres in Bhavanapadu villages. People of Devunaltada and Marripadu have to vacate the villages completely.

The government proposes to construct a colony for all the displaced families, including landless poor. A suitable land is being identified in the mandal itself to enable the villagers reside near coast. A fishing jetty is also being planned for the benefit of the villagers.

“The government is keen on ensuring a decent compensation and livelihood for all the displaced families. So far, the response from the villagers has been positive. We hope to complete the land acquisition process in three months,” Mr. Chakradhar Babu told

The Hindu .

Economic activity

“The construction of the port will spur economic activity in the district. Many people will get direct and indirect employment,” he said. Sources said that compensation and other issues would be decided at a meeting to be held in Amaravati on October 8.

The present market value of land is ₹5 lakh per acre. The government may elicit the opinion of the public representatives in finalising the compensation.