The Andhra Pradesh Government is facing some resistance in land acquisition for the international airport project proposed at Bhogapuram village in Vizianagaram district, the home district and constituency of Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapatiraju.

It was evident here on Tuesday when a review meeting was conducted regarding land acquisition for the project. Farmers expressed anguish and anger and they reserved their ire in particular for State Minister K Mrunalini who hails from the district.

However, the HRD Minister G Srinivasa Rao said it was not much of a problem and it should not be blown out of proportion. “We will persuade the farmers that the project would really help them. We will offer them the best rehabilitation package and take care of them. The project will be executed without causing any difficulty to the farmers,” he said.

Earlier, he along with Mrinalini reviewed the issues like acquiring land for the airport, along with Collectors of Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam MM Nayak and N Yuvaraj, respectively.

There was a protest demonstration by farmers outside the venue. “The State Government is determined to establish the airport by completing land acquisition in record time. Chief Minister is particular that the land should be acquired after doing full justice to the farmers and they should get the best (rehabilitation) package,” he said.

It is estimated that 5,551 acres under Munjeru, Kancheru, Rawada, A. Ravivalasa, Gudepuvalasa, Kavulavada and Kongavanipalem villages will be acquired for the airport and of which 1,418 acres are government land, including 845 acres of assigned land.

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