Student Leader Alleges Encroachment of ITDA Ashram School Playground in Telangana’s Nirmal

By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor

Nirmal, Telangana: Alleging encroachment of the playground belonging to the ITDA-run Ashram School at Mallapur village in Dasturabad mandal of Nirmal district, Telangana SC, ST, BC and Minority Student and Youth Association (TVYS) State President Gavvala Srikanth has demanded that the land be restored immediately. He urged district and ITDA authorities to investigate the alleged encroachment, identify those responsible, and reclaim the land for tribal students.

Questions officials’ role

Addressing a gathering, Srikanth questioned the role of the Village Sarpanch, Panchayat Secretary, former VRO, revenue officials, ITDA authorities and the District Collector, asking how the school playground could allegedly be encroached upon without official intervention. He said the land, including the playground, had been donated by local farmers for the benefit of tribal students studying at the Ashram School. Alleging that crops are now being cultivated on the playground, he termed it a serious injustice to the students.

Demands probe into land titles

Expressing suspicion that land titles (pattas) might have been issued for the land under cultivation, Srikanth demanded a comprehensive inquiry to determine when the titles were granted, who recommended them and whether any officials were involved. He sought legal and criminal action against those found responsible.

Warns of agitation

Calling the alleged encroachment of Forest Department land meant for the school “highly condemnable,” Srikanth appealed to those occupying the land to return it voluntarily. He also urged the ITDA Project Officer, Nirmal District Collector and Dasturabad Tahsildar to reclaim the land before further cultivation takes place. Warning of intensified protests involving students if no action is taken, he said the authorities would be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from the issue.