KSEZ drafts rehab package

The Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) has drafted a rehabilitation package for farmers who have to give up their lands for the proposed special economic zone (SEZ) in U Kothapalli and Thondangi mandals in East Godavari district.

It is estimated that nearly 1,450 families in 12 hamlets in the two mandals have to be evacuated.

Under the rehabilitation package, KSEZ will construct houses on 150 square yards for each family. If a displaced has a cattle shed, he would get Rs 3,000, while agriculture labourers would get Rs 64,625 each (Rs 105 per day for 625 days) besides houses. If the landowner becomes landless poor, he will get a lump sum amount of Rs 79, 500 (Rs 106 per day to each for 750 days).

All the 1,450 families would be accommodated in three colonies, which will be created by the KSEZ. The revenue authorities are in the process of identifying suitable locations for the purpose.

The displaced will be given identity cards, which would come in handy in future for farmers for availing of hospital and education facilities, etc. Plans are also on to set up healthcare units and schools in the colonies.

"We will make efforts to create better living conditions for the displaced, and provide employment to two members in each family," KSEZ director KV Rao said.