FCC

Realignment of RRR and highway projects in Telangana rejected by NHAI

2023-06-16

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has informed the Telangana state government that it is currently not feasible to consider the realignment of the Hyderabad Regional Ring Road (RRR) and other highway projects in the state. Despite ongoing farmer protests in several districts, the NHAI has urged the state government to proceed with the land acquisition for these projects based on the original designs that have already received approval from the centre.

According to official sources, Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari raised the matter with NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav. Farmers in districts such as Yadadri-Bhongir, Khammam, Hanamkonda, Warangal, Bhupalpally, Mancherial, and Peddapalli are currently demonstrating against the land acquisition. Yadav has clarified that there are no plans for the realignment of the RRR or the green highway projects in Telangana state.

Farmers in various districts have been strongly opposing the land acquisition for the RRR and green highway projects, citing concerns about the impact on their agricultural lands and livelihoods. Some farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offered by the government, arguing that it is inadequate compared to the market value of their lands. While a few farmers are demanding higher compensation, others are advocating for "land for land" as an alternative.

In Rayagiri village, Yadadri-Bhongir district, farmers are vehemently opposing land acquisition for the RRR project, highlighting that they have already lost significant portions of their land for the expansion of National Highway-163, canals related to the Kaleshwaram project, and high tension electricity towers and lines. The Bhongir municipality has even passed a unanimous resolution calling for the realignment of the RRR in order to protect agricultural lands.