Latest news with #JVenkataMurali
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bapatla Collector restores ownership of 102 acres to 87 farmers in Andhra
GUNTUR: In a landmark decision bringing long-awaited relief to local farmers, Bapatla District Collector J Venkata Murali announced the restoration of ownership rights for 102 acres of land in Muttupalli village of Nizampatnam mandal, which was in legal ambiguity for decades. Speaking at a meeting with the affected farmers at the Collectorate on Friday, he stated that the 102 acres, classified under Section 22 as prohibited land, will now be officially recognised as privately owned agricultural land. The 87 farmers, who have been cultivating the land for generations, will be issued passbooks, granting them full ownership and legal rights. The issue dates back to 1987, when the land was erroneously recorded as government wasteland by revenue officials, despite continuous cultivation by the rightful owners. The misclassification went uncorrected for over six decades, leaving the farmers without legal claim to their land. The farmers appealed to the Collector recently, highlighting the difficulties caused by their land being listed under restricted categories. Upon investigation, the district administration reviewed old revenue records and concluded that the land indeed belonged to the farmers. After consulting with higher authorities, the land was officially recognised as cultivable private land. Bapatla District Collector J Venkata Murali assured the farmers that the updated entries would be made in revenue records and that each of them would receive documentation confirming full ownership. RDO Ramalakshmi (Repalle), Nizampatnam tahsildar M Srinivasa Rao, and farmers from Muttupalli village participated in the meeting.
New Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Fishermen protest over sea access in Andhra's Bapatla
GUNTUR: Tension gripped the Bapatla Collectorate on Tuesday as fishermen from Vijayalakshmipuram and eight other villages staged a protest demanding restoration of access to the sea through the Eepurupalem straight-cut canal. A brief scuffle with police occurred during the dharna, but was quickly defused after District Collector J Venkata Murali and SP Tushar Dudi invited fishermen representatives for talks. The Collector assured that rocks blocking the canal mouth would be removed immediately and fishing routes restored. He announced the withdrawal of police cases against protestors and promised criminal action against those who dumped rocks illegally, obstructing the canal's flow. Over 20,000 families using 2,500 boats have reportedly been affected. The disruption was traced to an individual who diverted 500 tonnes of sand to reroute the canal, causing severe boat damage and access issues. A special committee with officials from multiple departments and fishermen representatives will investigate the issue. A field-level report is expected within a month. Any illegal encroachments found will be dealt with under the CRZ Act. Dudi confirmed police cooperation in restoring routes. Fishermen leaders submitted complaints, and officials assured strong legal action and protection of livelihoods.
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Black Burley tobacco procurement resumes in Andhra Pradesh
GUNTUR: BAPATLA District Collector J Venkata Murali on Wednesday directed officials to resume procurement of Black Burley tobacco in Bapatla district starting Thursday, following concerns over falling prices and growing distress among farmers. The decision was taken at a review meeting with Agriculture and MARKFED officials at the ETC Conference Hall in the Collectorate. Acting on Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu's instructions, the State government has introduced a dedicated 'CM App' to streamline procurement. Only farmers registered through this app—linked with e-Crop and APAMS data—will be eligible for tobacco sales. The government has sanctioned Rs 300 crore to procure up to 25 million kilograms of Black Burley tobacco through MARKFED. Procurement centres will operate at two locations in Parchur and one in Chirala. The fixed procurement price is Rs 12,000 per quintal for HDR and HDM varieties and Rs 3,000 per quintal for HDX. A control room with a toll-free helpline (8331057095) will function in Parchur from 6 AM to 8 PM to address farmer grievances and ensure smooth operations. The Collector criticised Agriculture Department officials over irregularities in crop registration. Although Black Burley tobacco was cultivated in 67,132 acres, only 50,513 acres were recorded in the e-Crop system, covering 28,019 farmers. He instructed officials to upload complete data within a week and warned of strict action for lapses during the current Kharif season. Parchur MLA Eluri Sambasiva Rao highlighted that, for the first time, the government is directly procuring tobacco to support farmers. Bapatla MLA Vegesna Narendra Varma reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring fair prices and safeguarding farmer interests. MARKFED Managing Director Manajeer Zilani Saman and other senior officials participated in the meeting and later visited the Parchur market yard to review arrangements.
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Kuppadam silk sarees win national award under ODOP initiative
GUNTUR: The famed Kuppadam silk sarees of Chirala in Bapatla district have received a prestigious national award under the Centre's 'One District One Product' (ODOP) initiative, putting the spotlight back on a centuries-old handloom tradition. The award will be presented during a national ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on July 14. Bapatla District Collector J Venkata Murali will receive the award on behalf of the district. This recognition comes as a major boost to hundreds of weaving families in Chirala and surrounding villages, who have kept the Kuppadam saree tradition alive despite dwindling demand in the face of mechanised textile production. The intricate weaving technique and traditional motifs had once earned wide acclaim but saw a steady decline, threatening the livelihood of many artisans. 'There was a time when we feared our children would never touch the loom again,' said Lakshman Rao, a senior weaver from Chirala. 'Now, with this award, it feels like our struggle has been acknowledged. Our looms have found a voice again.' Many weavers, despite financial hardships, continued to weave in small workshops and homes. Some took up other jobs to survive but returned to the loom whenever possible—preserving techniques passed down through generations.
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Energy Minister Gottipati inaugurates Urban Primary Health Centre in Addanki segment
GUNTUR: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, accompanied by Bapatla District Collector J Venkata Murali, inaugurated a newly constructed Urban Primary Health Centre in Addanki town on Tuesday. Built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore, the facility is part of the NDA government's ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services for economically weaker sections. Addressing the gathering, Ravi said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has sanctioned five health centres in the Addanki segment. While the new centre is operational, four more are expected to open by the end of the month. He announced plans to set up a dialysis centre in Medarametla to address the healthcare needs of the locals. He opened a newly laid Rs 1.2 crore tar road from Naam Road to Govada village. He said Rs 6 crore worth of road works were completed in Phase I, with Rs 7.5 crore under Phase II.
