CPI(M) demands urgent rehabilitation of Polavaram project displaced families

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) urged the State government to expedite rehabilitation of families displaced by the Polavaram project, alleging that only about 20 per cent of the rehabilitation process had been completed. The party also sought immediate steps to provide irrigation water for Kharif crops, protect tribal lands, and safeguard citizens’ voting rights.Addressing CPI(M) district committee meeting held here on Sunday (July 19, 2026), CPI(M) State secretariat member B. Balaram said rehabilitation of displaced families should receive equal priority. Referring to assertions by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma on completing the Polavaram project by 2027, he urged the government to ensure an early resolution to all pending Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) issues.Expressing concern over the dry spell, Mr. Balaram said delayed rains and inadequate irrigation had affected Kharif cultivation. In Eluru district, only 40,000-50,000 acres had reportedly been sown against the expected 2.5 lakh acres. He attributed the situation to incomplete canal modernisation and desilting works and sought timely irrigation, drinking water supply, and compensation for drought-affected farmers.He also sought an extension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that procedural shortcomings could deprive eligible voters of their franchise. District secretary R. Lingaraju highlighted power cuts, drinking water shortages, irrigation canal maintenance, pending housing issues and problems faced by the Dalit communities. Published - July 19, 2026 07:58 pm IST