HYDERABAD: A high-level autonomous society is proposed to be formed for speedy rehabilitation of families ousted from irrigation projects in the light of complaints over tardy resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) of evacuees.

To be constituted on the lines of Velugu, the new body will ensure speedy decision- making and taking up of R&R works with a human face. The Government will also enhance from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 the compensation for houses submerged under projects.

It will create four new regional officers' posts for Khammam, Prakasam, Adilabad-Karimnagar and Srikakulam-Vizianagaram areas for expeditious implementation of R&R packages in addition to two chief engineers' posts for monitoring the project works. It will rope in retired employees who dealt with land acquisition to utilise their experience in the land acquisition related issues, Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah said.

He was speaking to reporters after participating in a meeting convened by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to review the progress of work on irrigation projects. Of the 288 packages estimated to cost Rs. 43,910 crore, the Government had spent over Rs. 18,000 crore as part of `Jalayagnam programme till March 31. The expenditure in April and May was Rs. 1,100 crore. "We are committed to bringing 7.37 lakh acres ayacut in addition to stabilising another 1.1 lakh acres in the ensuing kharif," the Minister said. The Chief Minister will release water from Vamsadhara Stage II on June 14 to 29,600 acres and water to another 1.5 lakh acres under Pushkar and Tadipudi schemes will be released by July end.

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