Andhra Pradesh Land Acquisition Sparks Livelihood Crisis

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2026-01-31 11:18:04 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 03:51:07

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The proposed land acquisition for a massive petrochemical project in Nellore district has sparked fear and anger among local residents, who are now facing an uncertain future. The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has stepped in, urging the Andhra Pradesh government to reconsider its plans to acquire a staggering 16,000 acres of land for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd's (BPCL) refinery and petrochemical complex. This move comes as a response to recent media reports indicating the government's intention to establish a 9 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) facility, threatening the livelihoods of thousands.

A fact-finding mission by HRF, along with Rashtra Chenatha Jana Samakhya (RCJS) and Matsyakara Sangam, revealed the extent of the potential devastation. The team visited eight villages in Ulavapadu mandal, where residents, primarily farmers, farm laborers, and fishers, expressed unanimous opposition to the project. The area's thriving agriculture and fishing industries, supported by abundant water sources, would be severely disrupted by the land acquisition and subsequent pollution.

The HRF team's findings highlight a stark contrast in land requirements compared to similar projects. For instance, the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL) Manali project in Tamil Nadu, with a higher capacity of 10 mmtpa, occupies only 800 acres. This raises serious questions about the necessity of acquiring such a vast area for the BPCL project, which could displace and disrupt the lives of countless individuals.

As the government's plans unfold, the residents of Nellore district are left in limbo, awaiting a decision that will shape their future. The HRF's intervention underscores the need for a balanced approach to development, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of local communities and their livelihoods.

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