Return Lands to Farmers says KTR to CM

Return Unused Land to Farmers: KTR’s Demand to CM

Former Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) has urged Telangana’s Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to return unused land to farmers that was initially acquired for the ambitious Hyderabad Pharma City project. In a letter written on September 15, 2024, KTR expressed his concerns over the Congress government’s decision to scrap the original Pharma City project and replace it with the newly announced ‘Fourth City’ project. KTR’s plea calls for action in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

KTR’s Allegations Against the Congress Government

KTR’s letter comes in response to the Congress-led government’s recent shift in plans concerning the Pharma City project. The Pharma City, which was initially introduced during the tenure of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, was intended to make Hyderabad a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub. The current Congress government, led by CM Revanth Reddy, announced the much-discussed ‘Fourth City’ project, which has allegedly replaced the previous Pharma City initiative.

According to KTR, the Congress government’s decision to scale down from the original project raises doubts and concerns among investors who had shown interest in the Pharma City. More importantly, the issue of land acquired for the project remains unresolved. KTR emphasized the need for the government to return unused land to farmers if the acquired land will not be used for its original purpose.

Impact on Farmers and Investors

One of the key concerns raised by KTR in his letter is the impact of the government’s decision on farmers. Large tracts of land were acquired from farmers for the Pharma City project, and now, with the project being scrapped, their livelihoods are at stake. The Telangana High Court has recently intervened on behalf of farmers, especially those from Medippally, who filed a plea seeking clarity on the future of their land.

The High Court has directed the state government to submit detailed information about the lands acquired for the Pharma City project by September 20, 2024. KTR, standing with the farmers, demanded that the Congress government immediately address the concerns raised in court and return the lands if they are not to be used for the original Pharma City project. The call to return unused land to farmers is based on the legal provisions outlined in the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, which mandates that land acquired for a specific purpose must either be used for that purpose or returned to its original owners.

Legal Obligations Under the Land Acquisition Act

KTR’s letter also highlighted the legal obligations that the Congress government must fulfill under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. As per the Act, if the land acquired by the government is not used for the purpose for which it was taken within five years, it must be returned to the original owners. With the Telangana High Court prohibiting the use of the land for any other purpose, KTR questioned the state’s next steps and demanded transparency regarding the future of the project and the land.

The Congress government’s move to replace the Pharma City project with the Fourth City project in Mucherla has led to confusion and concern among both investors and the farming community. KTR stressed that farmers, whose lands were acquired, should not be left in the dark and should have their lands restored if the original plans have been scrapped. This call to return unused land to farmers aligns with the state’s responsibility to uphold the law and ensure that the rights of farmers are respected.

Demand for Clarity from the Government

In addition to calling for the return of unused land to farmers, KTR also demanded that CM Revanth Reddy provide clear communication regarding the current state of the Pharma City project. The BRS leader accused the Congress government of scaling down the original plans without offering any formal explanation or roadmap. The uncertainty surrounding the project has cast doubts on the future of pharmaceutical investment in Hyderabad, according to KTR.

Moreover, with the High Court’s involvement and the looming September 20 deadline for the state to submit information, KTR urged the government to take swift action. The letter reflects growing concerns from both the opposition and the public, particularly those directly affected by the land acquisition process.

Conclusion: The Urgent Need to Return Land

KTR’s demands come at a critical time for the Telangana government. As the legal proceedings continue and pressure mounts, the call to return unused land to farmers serves as a reminder that transparency and adherence to legal frameworks are paramount. With the future of the Pharma City project uncertain, the Congress government must address the concerns of farmers and investors alike, ensuring that the land is either used for its intended purpose or returned to its rightful owners.

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