Yadadri Power Plant victims stage protest

People displaced by the Yadadri Thermal Power Station in Telangana’s Nalgonda district on Monday staged a protest, demanding jobs in the plant.

Carrying placards and banners and raising slogans in support of their demands, the displaced families gathered in front of Yadadri Thermal Power Plant 5x800 MW in Veerlapalam village of Damercherla mandal of Nalgonda district.

Tension prevailed when police personnel tried to disperse the protestors, who were demanding that the government provide permanent employment to at least one member of every family.

The protestors including women wanted the government to fill vacancies in the plant. They said those who lack educational qualification should be provided skills and be provided suitable jobs.

The protestors also wanted authorities to provide employment in the power plant’s associated organisations and various wings related to security, transport and house-keeping.

The protestors urged the government to issue an order, fixing a time-limit to provide jobs.

The displaced families sought financial assistance till they are provided jobs in the plant.

The displaced families said they would continue their protest till the District Collector visit them and give them a clear-cut assurance on their demands.

Slogans like "We want justice" were raised by the protestors. They said they gave their lands for the project and it was the responsibility of the government to provide them livelihood.

They alleged that the government failed to fulfil its promise to provide jobs to all displaced families.

In April last year, Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister, M. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, handed over appointment letters as junior assistants, junior plant attendants, office subordinates and house keepers to 112 selected people from among the displaced families of Veerlapalem village.

The fourth unit of Yadadri Thermal Power Station was commissioned in January this year. Built by the Telangana Power Generation Corporation, the 4,000 MW project is claimed to be the largest State-run thermal plant in independent India.