Polavaram displaced tribals demand urgent action on basic amenities
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: Polavaram rehabilitation colonies in Andhra Pradesh continue to face severe neglect, with displaced tribal families alleging poor housing, lack of drinking water, and absence of essential infrastructure, according to a recent survey by KVPS leaders.
Survey reveals harsh living conditions
KVPS General Secretary Andra Malyadri surveyed the displaced families in I V Polavaram’s Narsingapeta, Rayanapeta, and Kannaigudem colonies in Rampachodavaram district. Residents reported cracked walls in poorly constructed houses, absence of roads, drainage, and streetlights, and no access to clean drinking water—forcing families to spend Rs 600 per month on mineral water.
No local employment, official documents still linked to old villages
The displaced people said agricultural labour is their only livelihood option. Crucial identification documents—including job cards, voter IDs, and Aadhaar cards—remain registered under their old villages, compelling them to travel 70 km to collect pensions and rations.
Incomplete public infrastructure projects
Construction of schools, Anganwadi centres, and community halls remains unfinished. Though land was allotted for cultivation, residents claim it is unsuitable for farming.
CPM leaders to visit colonies
Malyadri reaffirmed that the “Red Flag” movement will continue its fight for justice. CPM All India Secretary MA Baby and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas are scheduled to visit the colonies on the 16th and 17th of this month to assess conditions and raise the issue in Parliament.
Criticism of government priorities
Malyadri alleged that while leaders label the Polavaram project a “national disaster” to secure contracts, they are ignoring the plight of the displaced tribal families who lost everything for the project.
