In a devastating turn of events just days before Holi, the vibrant atmosphere at Vinoba Navodaya Colony in Velugumatla, Telangana, was overshadowed by dust clouds and debris. On February 24, a robust demolition drive reduced numerous homes to rubble, leaving hundreds of families grappling with the loss of their residences. “Darkness has fallen on our lives,” lamented B. Srinivas, a 48-year-old porter, as he surveyed the remains of his home, once a sanctuary built from years of toil. The extensive demolition on ‘Bhoodan’ lands has rendered countless families, including Srinivas’s, homeless.
Just several days earlier, this modest settlement-a community of daily wage laborers-was alive with the rhythms of daily life. Now, it stands largely deserted, save for a few scrap dealers scavenging through the remnants. Located a mere six kilometers from Khammam, the colony was adjacent to the Integrated District Offices Complex, making it a prime target for the operation.
Srinivas’s voice quivered as he recounted the chaos that ensued when officials arrived with earthmovers and police personnel. “Before we could process what was happening, our homes were reduced to dust,” he said, expressing the helplessness shared by families uprooted from the area. Sources reveal that roughly 600 structures, both temporary and permanent, were demolished in the day-long operation, displacing over 1,800 individuals.
The history of this land traces back to the 1950s Bhoodan movement led by Vinoba Bhave, during which local landowner Kalavala Raja Rama Rao donated 62 acres for the welfare of the poor. Beneficiaries received land pattas in 2014, granting them a semblance of stability. The demolition has shattered that reality, prompting Srinivas to voice concerns about repaying his gold loan and funding his daughter’s education. Many displaced families now reside in temporary shelters, enduring a bleak and uncertain future.
Officials justified the demolition, claiming it targeted unauthorized constructions on Bhoodan lands. District authorities assert that the operation preserved valuable land, estimated to be worth over ₹250 crore. However, the abruptness and scale of the demolitions have sparked protests and political controversy in Khammam, a region historically aligned with Left parties. Various political figures, including leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), have condemned the action as ruthless and insensitive, countering the ideals of the Bhoodan movement.
Allegations have surfaced accusing certain organizations of issuing illegitimate pattas to vulnerable families. Opposition leaders echo these concerns, questioning the government’s motives while highlighting the hardships faced by the displaced. The Chief Minister of Kerala criticized the Telangana government’s actions for tarnishing Vinoba Bhave’s legacy, while the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has taken interest, promising to assess the situation further.
In the wake of this turmoil, political visits have become common as leaders express solidarity with the affected families. Despite assurances from officials that eligible families will receive housing support, many remain skeptical, believing the demolitions align with a larger agenda driven by real estate interests. Residents express fears that this is merely the start of more aggressive developments in Velugumatla, a rapidly growing area.
As families contend with overcrowded temporary shelters, their demands are clear: a path to rebuild their lives on the land they once called home. For many, including Dhanamma, a 55-year-old housemaid who lost her lifetime’s savings in the demolitions, the loss transcends physical structures-it’s an erosion of hard-won security. “No matter what, we will not leave Velugumatla,” she vows defiantly amidst adversity, reflecting the resilient spirit of the displaced community in their fight for justice and stability in the face of uncertainty.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/bulldozers-on-bhoodan-lands-kick-up-political-dust/article70708940.ece
Category : Telangana
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Publish Date: 2026-03-06 06:53:00
