A land acquisition outreach programme held in Mandadam village in the Amaravati capital region took a tragic turn on Friday when a 68-year-old farmer collapsed while addressing government officials. The incident occurred during discussions related to the second phase of land acquisition for road construction linked to the capital development project.
The deceased farmer was identified as Dondapati Ramarao, a landowner whose property was proposed to be acquired as part of infrastructure expansion in the capital region.
Government Outreach to Address Farmers’ Concerns
The Andhra Pradesh government has recently intensified efforts to address lingering grievances of farmers who had surrendered land during the first phase of land pooling and acquisition for Amaravati. As part of this initiative, a three-member committee was constituted to tour villages and hold direct interactions with affected landowners.
These meetings, conducted in the presence of senior officials and elected representatives, aim to resolve issues related to compensation, resettlement, civic amenities, and pending assurances.
Incident During Mandadam Interaction
During the Mandadam meeting, Ramarao reportedly stated that he was not opposed to parting with his land for the development of Amaravati. However, he urged authorities to ensure that displaced families were provided housing in nearby Tallayapalem to maintain social and livelihood continuity.
According to eyewitnesses, moments after expressing his concerns, Ramarao lost consciousness in front of the gathering, bringing the meeting to an abrupt halt.
Death Declared at Hospital
Villagers and officials immediately shifted Ramarao to a nearby hospital. Doctors, however, declared him dead before treatment could begin. His sudden demise shocked those present and cast a pall over the proceedings.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana, Tadikonda MLA Tenali Sravan Kumar, senior officials, and several affected landowners.
Renewed Focus on Rehabilitation and Sensitivity
The second phase of land acquisition has reignited anxieties among farmers, particularly those who had earlier surrendered land and are still awaiting full resolution of their concerns. While the government maintains that Amaravati’s development is critical for Andhra Pradesh’s long-term growth, farmers have repeatedly raised issues related to displacement, livelihood security, and rehabilitation.
Friday’s incident has once again highlighted the emotional and physical toll borne by affected families during large-scale development initiatives.
Grievance Redressal to Continue
Officials have stated that grievance redressal meetings will continue across villages, with an emphasis on addressing pending issues and ensuring transparent communication. The tragedy in Mandadam has underscored the need for compassionate engagement and timely resolution as the capital development process moves forward.
