Relief at Last for Mallannasagar Victims

In a significant development, individuals who lost their lands during the construction of reservoirs like Mallannasagar Reservoir have finally received compensation after a prolonged legal battle. Single women and men affected by the project were granted relief under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement policy. Although a court hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, the government distributed compensation a day earlier. The affected individuals had approached the High Court seeking separate recognition and benefits, including ₹12.5 lakh compensation and 250 square yards of house sites.

However, the Telangana High Court has directed the state government to provide clarity on pending issues such as interest payments and allocation of house sites. The court also questioned the absence of Finance Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania in a contempt petition and refused to close the case merely based on compensation distribution. The next hearing has been adjourned to the 17th of this month. Notably, out of 79 petitioners, only about half received compensation, while several others have passed away during the prolonged delay.