KHAMMAM: A delegation of the CPI-ML (New Democracy) leaders who visited the Polavaram project site and some of the villages facing the risk of submersion on Wednesday, said the rehabilitation and resettlement package announced by the government for the project-affected families needed a thorough review. The delegation led by senior leaders, including Vemulapalli Venkataramaiah, K. Ragaiah and P. Ranga Rao, said both tribals and non-tribals were concerned over what they called the raw deal sought to be meted out.

They said the "land for land'' promised to tribal farmers was restricted to an extent of two and half acres. Those losing more than two and half acres would be eligible for monetary compensation. Many of e tribal farmers were in a fix. They wanted the Government to go for implementation of the package with the acceptance of oustees. The delegation members said the people in many villages were still uncertain about their fate. It was more so with those in the riverside villages in Burgumpadu mandal.

Campaign plans

It was initially stated that the mandal was free from submersion problem. But fears of villagers were yet to be dispelled. Mr. Raga Rao said the party was gearing up for Chalo Polavaram campaign planned for next week. People were being mobilised from all project- affected villages to mount pressure on the Government.

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