Empowering Justice: Upa-Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh Ensures Fair Compensation for NHAI Land Acquisitions

The Upa-Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh has successfully intervened to secure compensation for a landowner in Prakasam district, addressing a case of delayed payment by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). P. Om Sivaiah filed a complaint alleging that he had not received compensation for 1.72 acres of land in Musunuru village, which was acquired for the Bangalore-Kadapa-Vijayawada economic corridor (NH-554G).

In their official statement, the Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta detailed how they acted upon Sivaiah’s complaint, which also highlighted inaction from the district Collector. Following their intervention, both the district Collector and the Special District Collector (Land Acquisition) confirmed that Sivaiah’s land was indeed recognized as Patta land, paving the way for it to be removed from the prohibited property list.

With these corrections made to the revenue records, the Project Director at NHAI’s Project Implementation Unit in Ongole was instructed to release the owed compensation. As a result, the CS Puram Tahsildar processed a payment of ₹20.11 lakh to Sivaiah. He has since confirmed receipt of this compensation and expressed his satisfaction with the resolution.

This incident underscores the proactive role played by the Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh in promoting transparency and efficiently coordinating with district authorities to address citizens’ grievances. In their release, they noted that the matter has now been closed, as the complaint has been fully resolved.

This case illustrates the importance of accountability and responsive governance in land acquisition processes, particularly in infrastructure projects that impact local landowners. The efforts of the Lokayukta institutions not only provide relief to individuals affected by bureaucratic delays but also serve to reinforce public trust in administrative systems.

The steps taken in this instance reflect a commitment to ensuring that citizens are treated fairly and that their grievances are heard and addressed promptly. As infrastructure projects continue to develop across Andhra Pradesh, the role of oversight bodies like the Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta will remain vital in safeguarding the rights of landowners and ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards in land acquisition practices.

This efficient resolution is a testament to the system’s capacity to handle citizen complaints effectively, showcasing how governmental mechanisms can work in harmony to rectify injustices swiftly.

Published – July 31, 2025 03:02 PM IST

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/upa-lokayukta-of-andhra-pradesh-facilitates-payment-of-compensation-to-land-acquired-by-nhai/article69877500.ece
Category : Andhra Pradesh
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Publish Date: 2025-07-31 15:02:00