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Telangana HC Orders Govt To Give Clarity on Pharma City Plans
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday gave a last chance to the principal secretary, revenue, to inform the court about whether or not the state government intended to go ahead with the proposed Pharma City in Yacharam mandal of Rangareddy district. If the government withdrew the proposal, what would it do with the land that had been acquired from the farmers, the court asked.
The principal secretary, revenue, has to submit the details to the court by September 20.
Table of Contents
Background and Context
Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court was dealing with a petition filed by farmers of Medipally of Yacharam mandal, who complained that the revenue authorities were creating impediments while accessing their land.
In 2023, the High Court had issued orders setting aside the notification issued for land acquisition for the Pharma City. Despite this, the landowners said, the authorities were not allowing them to enter land details in the revenue records and therefore depriving them of access to agriculture input and credit support as well as full ownership rights.
Court Orders and Law
Justice K. Lakshman emphasized the necessity for the government to clarify its stance on the proposed Pharma City, indicating that this was a matter of significant public and legal interest. The court has set a clear deadline for the principal secretary, revenue, to provide the required details.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for future land acquisition disputes and how they are handled by both the courts and the government. As such, the outcome of this case is being closely monitored by various stakeholders, including legal professionals, landowners, and policy makers.
Farmers’ Issues
Ch. Ravi Kumar, counsel for the petitioners, on Friday brought to the notice of the court the press statements of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stating that the Pharma City would not be set up. He also showed the election manifesto of the Congress which had promised the cancellation of the Pharma City plan of the BRS government.
The farmers argue that the continued uncertainty around the Pharma City project has prevented them from properly accessing their land. This has had multiple repercussions, including the inability to obtain necessary agricultural inputs, credit support, and even full ownership rights. Essentially, they contend that their livelihoods have been jeopardized by this ongoing ambiguity.
Government Response
Government special counsel Adepu Divya submitted that the officials had instructed her that in the place of Pharma City, a life sciences park would be set up. The court directed the revenue principal secretary to submit the stand in the counter-affidavit.
This statement led to further questions from the High Court, which has asked for a formal and detailed report on what the government plans to do with the land if the Pharma City project is indeed canceled. This includes the viability of setting up a life sciences park and how such a project would comply with existing land and environmental laws.
Future Implications
The court’s requirement for a detailed report by September 20 adds an element of urgency to the situation. Depending on the government’s response, there could be several implications:
- Changes in land use policies
- Potential compensation for the farmers
- Alterations in future industrial projects
The outcome could set a significant precedent for how such land acquisition and reassignment issues are handled in the future. Both the farmers and policymakers are keenly observing the case, as it will likely influence both immediate and long-term land use and industrial development policies in Telangana.
In conclusion, the Telangana High Court’s directive for clarity on the Pharma City plans highlights the intricate balance between development and the rights of landowners. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the Yacharam mandal land and potentially setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.
