BRS alleges Koheda fruit market land worth Rs 3,000 crore under threat

In Hyderabad, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former minister T Harish Rao accused the Congress-led government of attempting to sell the proposed 200-acre fruit market land in Koheda, which he claimed is worth Rs 3,000 crore. His allegations came during a visit to the site on April 6, where he was joined by former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy. Harish Rao asserted that the land, which he said was being diverted in favor of middlemen and against the interests of farmers, is under threat due to the government's actions.

Harish Rao emphasized that their visit was not political but aimed at addressing the welfare of farmers. He stated, "This is not an issue between the BRS Party or the Congress Party. It is a farmers' issue. The government should take care of the farmers' interests." He recalled that during BRS's tenure, a decision was made to establish a world-class fruit market at Koheda to alleviate the congestion at the existing Gaddiannaram Fruit Market and cater to future demands.

According to Harish Rao, the land acquisition for the project had been completed under BRS's rule, with a compensation of Rs 10 crore provided to the farmers. He also mentioned that the project was notified through GO No 11 in 2020, and Rs 350 crore was allocated through GO 216 for its construction. A detailed project report worth Rs 1,000 crore was prepared, with plans to include fruit, flower, and fish markets in the area, considering future requirements. "Everything is ready, land, fund, and planning everything, but the government is trying to sell the land instead of initiating work on it," he alleged.

The BRS leader dismissed the idea of relocating the market to alternative "DIL lands" as they are subject to legal disputes and High Court restrictions involving the Andhra Pradesh government. He warned that such actions could lead to agitations by the farmers. Harish Rao's allegations highlight the ongoing tensions between political parties over the management of agricultural land and the welfare of farmers in the region. The situation in Koheda serves as a focal point for debates on government policies and their impact on rural communities. As the dispute unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Congress-led government will address these concerns and ensure the project's progress for the benefit of farmers.