In a dramatic step highlighting the government’s resolve to safeguard public land, officials have recovered 55 acres of forestland in Kadapa district, said to be encroached upon by the family of Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, a former top aide of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The said land falls in C.K. Dinne mandal, for which the Sajjala family has holdings near reserved forest. Official sources say that the family is said to have illegally increased their holding by encroaching upon adjacent forest land. The reports indicate that the subject land had been converted into a sprawling farm house, with a guest house built on it.
To address growing allegations and public outcry, Andhra Pradesh Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan directed a thorough investigation. The probe, supported by an extensive government-conducted land survey, verified that the encroached land constituted part of reserved forestland. On the basis of these revelations, Kadapa District Collector Sridhar has filed a formal report with the state government.
Following this, direct orders were given to recover the illegally taken land. Moving expeditiously, district officials took formal possession of the 55 acres on Thursday and installed government signboards indicating it as recovered forestland.
The move is a major move by the present government to act against land encroachments—particularly those reportedly involving powerful officials from the past YSRCP government. It is a clear signal that illegal occupation of public land is not acceptable by anyone.
Silence so far on the part of the Sajjala family, with no public statement issued in reaction to the government move.
